Erling Haaland’s second-half hat trick helped Manchester City overcome in a 5 -1 win against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium while the story was not the same for Chelsea, who were beaten at home 1-0 by Nottingham Forest.

In the 31st minute, Julian Alvarez opened the scoring for City from Haaland’s assist but Fulham responded two minutes later thanks to Tim Ream’s goal. Just before the halftime break, Nathan Ake restored the hosts’ lead.

However, the goal did create controversy after Manuel Akanji apparently stood in Bernd Leno’s eyeline as the ball made its way into the net but VAR did not overturn the decision upon review.

Two minutes before the hour mark, Haaland turned the match into a one-man as the Norwegian free-scorer went on to three goals in the game to score his first hat trick of the season and sealed the win for City as they returned to the top of the table.

Man City remain the only team with a clean record in the ongoing campaign.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi recorded an assist as Anthony Elanga scored a second-half goal to power Nottingham Forest to their first Premier League victory over Chelsea.

Despite Chelsea having controlled the game for most parts, the former Manchester United player almost scored a brace late on in the match but the Swedish shot inside the box struck the goalpost.

Forward Nicolas Jackson had the best chance to equalise for Chelsea but the Senegal international fired a loose ball inside Forest’s box high off the bar.

The Blues have spent over a billion pounds on new players less than two years into Todd Boehly’s takeover of the London club and the team have been unable to maintain find any right rhythm on the pitch under three managers.