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Erling Haaland scores a sensational hat-trick as Manchester City fight back from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 4-2.

There was still some thought that Erling Haaland would need time to adjust to the Premier League even after three goals in three games – not anymore.

The Norwegian striker has dispelled those last, lingering concerns with a brilliant hat-trick as Manchester City completed a stunning turnaround at the Etihad Stadium.

For the fourth time in six Premier League matches, City found themselves two goals behind and staring down the barrel.

They haven't lost any of them, and for a second time they've turned that stark losing position into a victory.

Bernardo Silva's deflected strike brought them back into the game: then enter Haaland with a 19-minute hat-trick to secure the three points.

"These games are why I'm here – to turn things around when there are difficult times," he said.

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  The Winners

  Erling Haaland

  It doesn't matter in what league or what country the Norwegian striker plays, he just scores goals.

  Haaland has a supernatural ability to be in the right place at exactly the right time.

  The 22-year-old turned the game on its head as he gained a yard of space to turn in Phil Foden's cross before reacting to John Stones' mishit to put City ahead.

  But his hat-trick goal was the best of the lot, as he used his strength to bundle Palace defenders out of the way before smashing in a finish of unerring quality.

  Only former Chelsea striker Diego Costa can better his tally of six goals in his first four Premier League outings, and you get the feeling that Haaland is really only warming up.

  Pep Guardiola

  After completing his hat-trick, the City manager replaced Haaland and he looked as proud of his player as father Alfie probably did, sitting in the stands.

  Guardiola worked wonders to land the title without a number nine, but how grateful he must be to now have one as good as Haaland to call upon.

  City failed to score home or away against Palace last season and they were restricted to half-chances in the first half.

  But having such a striker gives Guardiola options, as well as a match-winner who can change a game with his natural goalscoring instinct and this was perhaps a contest they might not have won in the past.

  Julian Alvarez

  The Argentinian was signed as a striker but he will have known that he was always likely to play second fiddle to Haaland.

  Guardiola has said his opportunities will come and when the schedule steps up to two games a week, he is certain to get starts.

  But trailing 2-1, Alvarez was introduced and played in an unusual space between Phil Foden on the left wing and Haaland in the middle.

  It was high risk but gave Palace's defence even more to worry about with another attacker in an unorthodox position and he made the most of the chance.

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• The Losers

  Patrick Vieira

  The man who knew how to frustrate Guardiola suddenly had no way of stopping him.

  Last season the Palace boss prevented City scoring in two matches, including a smash-and-grab victory at the Etihad Stadium.

  At 2-0 and reasonably comfortable, he looked like he was going to pull off yet another incredible win to add to his burgeoning reputation.

  Vieira might feel unfortunate that his side weren't able to add a third as a Jordan Ayew goal was ruled out, although neither he nor his players made much of a fuss, and once the City juggernaut started, there was no way of putting on the brakes.

  Set-piece defending

  For many coaches, the strategy to get points at the Etihad is to sit deep and hope to make the most of any corners and free-kicks on the rare occasions they come around.

  Guardiola knows that well and while the pretty side of his football will always be highlighted, his players are ready to put their heads in to deal with those types of situations.

  So it will be alarming that both of Palace's goals came from set-pieces and everyone defending the situation will have to take their share of the blame.

  It will be on the training schedule ahead of Wednesday's clash with Nottingham Forest as City won't get away with going two goals down every time, and a quick return to clean sheets will be a priority.

  Joachim Andersen

  The Danish defender was brilliant for 45 minutes and scored a superb header to put his side two goals ahead.

  After keeping Liverpool's Darwin Nunez quiet at Anfield and luring him into a red card, he was strong against Haaland.

  A kick in the head from the striker in the first half could have even had Haaland sent off although Vieira had no complaints about the decision.

  But it was his fellow Scandinavian that had the last laugh and that was tough on Andersen after an outstanding performance.

• Ratings: Defence

  Ederson (4/10):

  No chance with either of the goals, but the first came from poor handling when he raced out to stop a ball over the top and he was careless when a throw-out was blocked that could have been given as a goal.

  Kyle Walker (6/10):

  Not as difficult an afternoon as he had at Newcastle the previous weekend, but still struggled to dominate Eberichi Eye in their first-half duel.

  John Stones (6/10):

  Has looked rusty since the start of the season. Knew little about his own goal and looked uneasy in the first 45 minutes although he improved on the ball after half-time.

  Ruben Dias (6/10):

  The whole side was culpable for City's inability to defend set-piece but the Portuguese centre-back was flat-footed for both crosses.

  Joao Cancelo (6/10):

  Guardiola was screaming for more width and more height from the full-back as his side struggled to stretch Palace, and he was withdrawn in the second half.

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• Midfield

  Rodri (7/10):

  Performed his usual role of controlling the middle of the pitch and Palace's most threatening moments came when they bypassed him.

  Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

  He was trying to make things happen in the first half and helped unlock Palace, although he unusually failed to register an assist.

  Bernardo Silva (8/10):

  Hard work matched with great skill helped City onto the front foot after he had weaved his way past the visitors for the crucial first.

Goal looks at some of the top picks to take the No.1 shirt for your FPL team in the new season

With the 2021-22 Premier League season just around the corner it's an exciting time for all fantasy football managers as you piece together your squad for the new campaign.

As always, the FPL game requires the selection of two goalkeepers, with it being vitally important that at least one of your two picks is a regular starter for their club.

Should you need assistance with who to opt for, Goal has listed some of the best goalkeepers available, and the price they'll set you back, while you can also check out our ultimate guide for more hints, tips and advice.

Stay up to date with all the latest Fantasy Premier League team news

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  1Alisson | Liverpool | £6m

  Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is the joint most expensive goalkeeper on the game and although he conceded more than in any other season with the Reds last term, it should be a different story in 2021-22.

  Indeed, the return of Virgil van Dijk should prove significant in boosting their chances of more clean sheets this campaign, with the club's Brazilian No.1, who had his own injury issues, looking to improve on his 140-point haul from last season – only the joint-sixth best in the league.

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  2Ederson | Manchester City | £6m

  Another of the joint most expensive goalkeepers on the game, the beauty of having Ederson in your team is that he's very rarely rotated out of the starting XI.

  Indeed, Pep Guardiola is renowned for chopping and changing his team from game to game although the Brazilian, who has won the Premier League Golden Glove award two years in a row, should rack up a more than healthy match total.

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  3Edouard Mendy | Chelsea | £6m

  Edouard Mendy had an impressive first season in English football, with the Chelsea goalkeeper having established himself as the No.1 at Stamford Bridge under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.

  He scored 140 points in the 2020-21 season, keeping 16 clean sheets, and he looks an appealing option heading into the new campaign, with Chelsea having looked increasingly assured at the back under their German head coach. 

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  4Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | £5.5m

  Alongside Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinezproved to be Argentina's hero at the Copa America and that won't have come as a surprise to Fantasy Premier League fans, given his incredible domestic campaign with Aston Villa.

  The 28-year-old was the highest-scoring goalkeeper in the game in 2020-21, recording 186 points – and 27 bonus points – just one point short of Brad Friedel's record FPL haul.

The Ajax pair are dominating transfer rumours, but they are not the only exciting youngsters excelling in the Netherlands' top flight

With Ajax's Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt heavily linked to the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City, the Eredivisie has been thrown into the limelight in recent months.

The pair spearhead an exciting new generation in Dutch football, but they are well-backed by a whole host of young compatriots and still just a drop in the bucket of talent in the Netherlands' top flight.

From the top of the table right down to the bottom, from the Netherlands to Brazil and even Japan, here are 15 rising stars in a league where its trust in youth continues to be justified.

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  Steven Bergwijn (PSV, 21)

  It’s no surprise that PSV have a perfect record in the league this season as, in addition to Hirving Lozano’s contributions on the opposite wing, Steven Bergwijn has provided five goals and six assists. The skilful 21-year-old is a fantastic dribbler with incredible pace, all attributes that have earned him his first senior caps for the Netherlands and links with Liverpool and Manchester United.

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  Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax, 19)

  Matthijs de Ligt’s name will be familiar to many as it’s one linked with Manchester City, Juventus and Barcelona. The 19-year-old centre-back is a brilliant reader of play, a strong tackler and has an aerial presence that proves effective at both ends of the pitch. Mature beyond his years with technical ability that is typical of any Dutch defender, De Ligt is expected to earn his big-money move sooner rather than later.

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  Ritsu Doan (Groningen, 20)

  Groningen desperately gathered together the funds to make Ritsu Doan’s loan deal permanent in the summer, and it’s clear to see why. The creative midfielder, who is also effective out wide, scored nine times and provided three assists in his debut season and, with Manchester City having shown an interest, it seems unlikely the Dutch club will keep their star man much longer.

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  Kasper Dolberg (Ajax, 21)

  Recruited to Ajax by the same man who brought in Christian Eriksen and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kasper Dolberg is a ruthless finisher with excellent technique. His ability was abundantly clear in his 16 goals across 2016-17, before the Dane lost his place, and his confidence, last term. Dolberg is looking back to his best again though, despite injuries in pre-season, with five goals in five starts this year.

Lionel Messi claimed his fifth award for the top scorer on the continent ahead of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane…

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  1Memphis Depay | Lyon | 19 goals (38 pts)

  The former Manchester United flop rediscovered his form in Ligue 1, as Depay has become one of Lyon's star attackers alongside Nabil Fekir and Mariano Diaz. The Dutchman managed the second-highest goal total of his career and a strong run-in helped Lyon book a Champions League spot.

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  2Fabio Quagliarella | Sampdoria | 19 goals (38 pts)

  Veteran striker Fabio Quagliarella has been in top form for Sampdoria this season and isn't too far behind the likes of Mauro Icardi and Ciro Immobile in terms of Serie A goals, although the Genoa club as a whole have disappointed.

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  3Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid | 19 goals (38 pts)

  France international Antoine Griezmann has been Atletico Madrid's star man for the past number of seasons and he continues to chip in with goals. He struck up a partnership with Diego Costa in the capital and fell just short of the 20-goal mark in another brilliant Atletico campaign.

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  4Neymar | PSG | 19 goals (38 pts)

  The most expensive player in football history started his Paris Saint-Germain career in sizzling form,but a season-ending injury suffered in February put an end to his hopes of catching Cavani's goal total.

Celtic could be just days away from embarking upon a new chapter in the club’s history. After a disappointing season, it appears that the guillotine is inching closer to Neil Lennon’s neck on the chopping block.

The Mirror has reported that following his decision to leave China, Celtic have eyed Rafael Benitez as the perfect successor to their current head coach. Should these talks come to fruition, treble winner Lennon will be axed from his position and he only has himself to blame.

Why Lennon could be replaced by Benitez

For a side with as rich a history as Celtic, it’s extremely disappointing to see them struggling to assert their dominance. The Scottish Premiership is their bread and butter – a league that many believe belongs to the Hoops.

They were on track for their tenth consecutive league title this season, but an uncharacteristically subpar campaign has resulted in them being humiliated on several occasions. Not only are they trailing to their bitter rivals, but Rangers top the table by a mammoth 23 points.

Steven Gerrard and his men are yet to lose a single Premiership match this term and have drawn just three games. Although Celtic have three games in-hand, any chance of a revival looks long gone.

Odsonne Edouard has seriously struggled this season, falling off track in terms of his personal numbers. The Frenchman looks a shadow of himself from last campaign, in which he tallied 21 goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances. However, he has managed just seven goals and four assists so far this time round, according to Transfermarkt.

It seems his passion for the club has dimmed due to their frustrating season and Celtic run the risk of losing him. Edouard has been linked to both Arsenal and West Ham this window, with talks of a £35million price tag circulating.

Whilst lack of goals is worrying, Lennon’s defence is also a serious issue. In their Europa League run alone, the Hoops shipped 19 goals in the group stages, which was the joint-highest amount conceded in that point of the competition. But despite this, the boss appears to be showing no urgency to bring any new personnel in.

A goalscorer and a new centre-back must be a priority for Celtic, but Lennon has seemingly been uninterested in the transfer market this month. If he is to be given the boot, he will have put the final nail in his own coffin with his summer transfers, his questionable team selections, his choice to make the Dubai trip and his seeming inability to attract new players to the club this month.

In other news, Hammond set for masterstroke sale of Jack Hendry…

It’s the sign of the times that Aston Villa drawing 1-1 at Premier League title contenders Chelsea just doesn’t even seem that much of a surprise.

Dean Smith’s side have been a breath of fresh air this season, playing fantastic attacking football – they’ve already scored 28 goals in the top-flight – and picking up some big results against the division’s elite.

And whilst they may not have claimed all three points at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, they can be hugely proud of their efforts given they were in action just over 48 hours ago.

One man who put in an incredible shift for Smith, was John McGinn. The Scotland international hasn’t scored since early October when he netted in that famous 7-2 rout of Liverpool, and whilst he didn’t get on the score-sheet again against Chelsea, he looked in supreme touch in every other aspect.

Playing in that slightly deeper role, the 26-year-old went to war with the likes of N’golo Kante and Jorginho in the middle of the park, and came out on top.

As per Sofascore, he won a mammoth 13 of his 19 total duels on the night, by far the most of any Villa player on the pitch. As well as that, he also made three tackles and provided two key passes, whilst he was so unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal when he saw his thunderous long-range strike cannon off the crossbar.

His display led to Villa podcaster Ty Bracey to suggest that McGinn appears to be “back to his best”, and that’s surely something that could be a game-changer for the side going forward.

The likes of Ollie Watkins and Jack Grealish have carried a lot of the goal-scoring and creative burden this season, but if McGinn gets back to his usual self, then Smith will have another formidable weapon in his ranks.

The Scot’s display against Chelsea would surely have left his manager purring.

Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has been ruled out of the crunch Old Firm clash with Celtic after picking up a knee injury against Aberdeen.

What’s the news?

Rangers’ worst fears have now been realised and Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard confirmed the news to Glasgow Times’ Christopher Jack (no relation to Ryan).

Gerrard said: “I made it quite clear that it was important we got someone in the door before the window shut.

“Getting Bongani [Zungu] up to speed was the priority because over the course of the season, with the schedule we have, we were always going to get a knock or two.

“Ryan Jack being out for the amount of time he has has been a real disappointment for me.

“Scott Arfield’s absence is a bit of bad luck from a challenge he had against Hibs. So it does make us slightly light in that area.”

Jack has been sidelined since November after he suffered an injury against his former club Aberdeen. He was replaced by Steven Davis who could now find himself thrown in for the game against Celtic.

Likely impact?

The 28-year-old’s absence will be a bitter blow for the Ibrox boss in the midfield as he has established himself as an integral part of Gerrard’s side.

Jack’s injury struggles have been well-documented but he has still managed to start 12 of his 13 appearances in the Premiership this season, via Transfermarkt.

With games coming thick and fast this month, the timing couldn’t be any worse for Gerrard, who already faces the prospect of juggling domestic and European competitions without two of his key men for the foreseeable future.

Steven Davis has done a stellar job for Gerrard in his absence and he is another option for the Rangers manager ahead of the pivotal Premiership clash with Celtic trailing 16 points behind the league leaders.

However, the 35-year-old midfielder was far from his very best against St. Mirren – he lost possession 11 times, as per SofaScore – which will no doubt give Gerrard some real cause for concern heading to the clash with their arch rivals.

The only real other option is Zungu, who arrived at Ibrox from French Ligue 2 side Amiens on an initial loan deal with the option to buy on transfer deadline day.

But the Bafana-Bafana midfielder has yet to start for the Gers in the Scottish top flight this season as he has so far failed to find the back of the net or record a single assist in 10 appearances across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Jack has shown time and again that he can be a big-game player for the 54-time Scottish champions. After all, he scored in the first half to inflict former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ first defeat in the Old Firm in 2018.

This game could be make-or-break for Gerrard’s managerial career, who faces some tough decisions before kick-off on Saturday afternoon. He will certainly have to consider his midfield options very carefully indeed as he simply cannot afford to slip-up.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must recall Ryan Kent to face Celtic in Old Firm derby…

According to Fabrizio Romano, free agent Mario Mandzukic turned down a move to Aston Villa recently.

What’s the story?

Having seen his time at Qatari side Al-Duhail come to an end, the Croatian striker has been on the look-out for a new club, and it’s now been suggested that Villa had actually offered him a route back into football.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano said: “Mandzukic, in my opinion, is an amazing player and look at players like Mandzukic, like (Alexandre) Pato, like (Mario) Balotelli – they are free agents – it was crazy some years ago to see these kinds of players as free agents. He was so close to joining Manchester United one year ago, Mario Mandzukic.

“He had a bid from (the) Premier League, it was like three or four weeks ago, it was from Aston Villa. They were trying to sign him as a free agent and Mario Mandzukic said no. He also turned down an opportunity to join Bologna here in Italy, so it’s up to him. He wants an important project. He will have a lot of bids, but at the moment, with Aston Villa, he said no.”

Huge Champions League experience

At 34, Mandzukic may be in the twilight years of his career, but there’s no doubting that he would’ve brought a kind of experience and winning mentality that the current Villa squad just don’t have.

The Croatian has featured in World Cup and Champions League finals, and won trophies wherever he’s been at club level, and certainly has the kind of play that would have offered Dean Smith’s side a completely different option.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse is a battering ram in the air, but also equally adept with his feet. It was no wonder that his former manager at Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri, said: “Mario is a key player. His combination of technical and physical attributes make him an extraordinary player.”

Villa of course saw arguably the best version of Christian Benteke in his time at Villa Park; a big man with an incredible leap but capable of some silky touches and flicks too.

Mandzukic is in a similar mould, but would have added a touch of proven quality and match-winning experience. They won’t shed tears of seeing him turn them down, but boy would it have been a great signing on a free transfer.

West Brom boast an impressive academy set-up, though very rarely does an elite talent break the surface and make it at the Hawthorns.

In 2013, the Baggies received category one status and pledged to contribute £3m-per-year into the youth system so that they can continue to produce the very best talent in the Midlands.

Only Dara O’Shea and Rekeem Harper are on the cusp of the first-team right now whilst names such as Nathan Ferguson, Tyler Roberts, Kemar Roofe and Izzy Brown have all gone on to teams at a similar or better level.

Unlike recent times, Albion managed to secure the long-term commitment of Rico Richards this summer, one of their most promising forwards since Saido Berahino.

According to The Sun, Premier League rivals Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City were all tracking the 17-year-old sensation last year but in August, he signed his first professional deal with a fresh three-year contract.

Academy manager Richard Stevens waxed lyrical about the young frontman, he said: “Rico is a creative player who can make things happen and we are looking forward to continuing his development.”

Richards has continued his impressive form this season, contributing to three goals in two appearances in the U18 Premier League, before finding himself promoted to the U23 set-up, where in back-to-back starts the young Albion side have picked up 1-0 victories.

It is also always a good sign when the youngster is recognised at an international level, and the Baggies starlet has picked up England caps for the U16s and has also played in a few friendlies for the U17s.

Slaven Bilic could have West Brom’s best talent since Berahino on their hands here and given their struggles in front of goal as the Premier League’s lowest scorers, he could well be called upon sooner rather than later.

Very much so as the club currently lack the presence of a Hal Robson-Kanu or Peter Odemwingie type that can play in a multitude of attacking positions, this combined with seemingly no attitude problems gives Richards the potential to eclipse their most controversial homegrown player of the modern era.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer tips “unplayable” WBA star to become a £40m+ player

Said Benrahma has just six-weeks to prove to West Ham United that they do not need to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Joshua King amid reports of a potential new approach.

What’s the word?

According to Claret & Hugh, the Hammers are considering reviving David Moyes’ interest in King come the January window after opting to sign Benrahma over the Norway international this summer.

Moyes and the West Ham first-team had favoured the potential of adding King to the squad currently assembled at the London Stadium, with the feeling in east London that support for Michail Antonio up front would be vastly more beneficial than signing an additional winger.

Irons chiefs ultimately convinced Moyes to green light the initial £5million loan deal for Benrahma which features a £20m obligation to buy next summer. But with Sebastien Haller struggling to fill the void left by Antonio following his hamstring injury, could revisit King’s situation with the striker out of contract in 2020.

West Ham offered Bournemouth £13m in the hope of signing King this summer, yet saw the approach rejected as the Cherries held firm in demanding in excess of £17m.

It remains to be seen if West Ham do look fondly on King’s services when the winter market opens, and how open-minded Bournemouth are to selling a player who could be key to their promotion efforts after starting the Championship campaign with five wins in 11.

Benrahma has a point to prove

With West Ham chiefs backing Benrahma’s capture over Moyes’ wishes to sign King, the Algerian forward will have a point to prove over the next six weeks to show why the Hammers were not wrong to favour his arrival over the Norway international’s.

Benrahma penned his first assist in claret and blue at home to London rivals Fulham prior to the international break, but also conceded the late penalty Ademola Lookman wasted in the closing stages that could have allowed the Cottagers to steal a point.

King has hardly hit any lofty heights for Bournemouth this season, either, with the former Manchester United target yet to get off the mark for goals or assists after five Championship appearances following an early thigh injury.

Benrahma, no doubt, has the potential to shine at the London Stadium after striking 17 goals and 10 assists with Brentford last season, while former OGC Nice teammate Lorenzo Vinci lauds the Algerian as a true magician for his smooth and silky skills.

“For me, there’s no debate, it’s Said!” Vinci told Actufoot when asked who his most technical teammate has been. “He impressed me so much when we played together. He was able to do anything in any space. A real magician.”

Benrahma may have just six-weeks to prove his magic in east London, though, as King has frequently had his own admirers – including Moyes – while former Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe lauded the 28-year-old as a “complete” player during his time at the Vitality.

“Josh is outstanding physically, technically and mentally – he has the complete package, a little bit of everything,” Howe said, via quotes by The Football Faithful. “He wants goals to show that potential is so high with him.”

AND in other news, David Moyes can solve a West Ham dilemma by unleashing his plan for a £10.8m-rated dynamo.