City dominated the game from start to finish, with Guardiola’s side winning 2-0 with Haaland scoring two goals.
After being cautious in the first half hour, Haaland was broken by Ilkay Gundogan’s clever pass and brought down by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Haaland Cooly dispatched his penalty to give his team a 1-0 lead at half-time.
In the second half, Haaland once again stole the show, catching a through ball carefully crafted by Kevin De Bruyne and scoring a cool shot to take all three points.
The Norway international could score a hat-trick but was unable to find a third goal before being substituted in the 78th minute.
After the game, Haaland used some fancy language to express his disappointment at not scoring three points.
“I was supposed to be there, but that’s what happened,” he said.
Sky Sports reporter Jeff Shreeves warned Haaland about his language, to which Haaland responded brilliantly: “Ah s**t, sorry.” Before the two burst into laughter.
Haaland is clearly the real character on and off the pitch.
Talking about the team’s overall performance, Haaland said it was a good start to the season.
He added: “It’s a good start. It’s early in the season so it’s good to get a few minutes on the lap. We see potential against Bayern [in pre-season] Against Liverpool it was down a bit, but it will come with the game. Passes will come. Should be more today, a good start.
“It’s all about the connection of training and practicing every day. We’ll get better, I’m not worried.”
With Haaland and Manchester City implying business this season, there is a firm warning not just for the rest of the Premier League, but for teams across Europe.
They will be looking to win a fifth title in six seasons and, perhaps more importantly, a first-ever Champions League trophy.
Europe’s premier club competition remains the only trophy Guardiola has not won at Manchester City, and he hopes Haaland will sack them to glory.
Next up for City will be newly-promoted Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, where Haaland is expected to make his debut for the defending champions.
