Haaland Shines with Hat-Trick in Manchester City's Friendly Victory Over Chelsea

Erling Haaland led Manchester City to a 4-2 victory over Chelsea on Saturday in an English club football friendly held in Columbus, Ohio. The Norwegian striker scored a hat trick, including two goals in the first five minutes, showcasing his talent as he donned the captain's armband in front of a crowd of 71,280.

The reigning Premier League champions wasted no time, scoring their first goal in the fourth minute through a penalty kick taken by Haaland. Just 17 seconds after the restart, he netted his second goal with a right-footed shot into the right corner following a giveaway by Moises Caicedo in the Chelsea half, giving City a quick 2-0 lead.

Oscar Bobb extended City's advantage in the 55th minute, skillfully maneuvering down the right wing before cutting inside and firing a left-footed shot that found the near post. Haaland completed his hat trick in the 56th minute, converting a pass at the top of the box between two defenders with a flicked left-footed shot, marking City's fourth goal just 25 seconds after the restart.

Chelsea responded with goals from Raheem Sterling in the 59th minute and Noni Madueke in the 89th minute, but their efforts were not enough to turn the tide.

This match served as a preview for the upcoming 2024-25 Premier League season, with Manchester City set to face Chelsea again on August 18.

Liverpool Defeats Manchester United

In another significant pre-season clash, Liverpool secured a 3-0 victory over Manchester United in front of 77,559 spectators in Columbia, South Carolina.

The scoring for Liverpool began in the 10th minute when 21-year-old Portuguese striker Fabio Carvalho found the net. In the 36th minute, Egyptian striker Mo Salah delivered a perfect centering pass to Curtis Jones, who tapped in with his left foot, increasing the lead to 2-0. Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas added a third goal in the 61st minute, converting a rebound off the left post.