MANCHESTER (Reuters)
Manchester City beat Brentford 2-1 to maintain their perfect start to the season after Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland netted twice on Saturday following the fastest goal of the season from the visitors.
Haaland's double takes his tally to nine goals in four games -- more than any English top-flight team has managed so far this season -- while City's victory gave them a three-point lead at the top after Liverpool's 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest.
Haaland searched for the third goal which would have made him the first player to score hat-tricks in three straight Premier League games, but Brentford keeper Mark Flekken made several saves to deny the Norway striker.
The Bees continued to threaten in attack as they found space on the flanks behind City's defence, but Haaland restored parity in the 20th minute when he scored from a tight angle with his second touch of the game.
"The second showed what he is all about. He used his body well and a brilliant finish. It is a pleasure to play with him and hopefully he can continue," City's Jack Grealish said.
Brentford did not have the same attacking intent and tempo as in the first half and City secured all three points to move to 12 with the Bees on six after four games.