West Ham United head into September’s international break with just one Premier League victory from their opening three games after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to reigning champions, Manchester City.

Erling Haaland’s telling treble – his second hat-trick on successive weekends – proved to be the decisive difference on a frustrating afternoon at London Stadium for Julen Lopetegui, whose side came up short against a slick City outfit managed by compatriot Pep Guardiola.

“We had started very well but just couldn’t score and whenever you have moments against a team like Manchester City then you have to take them,” insisted the Hammers head coach, after seeing Bernardo Silva pick-pocket one-time City target Lucas Paquetá on 10 minutes to set up Haaland for the opener.

“We needed to take advantage of our opportunities but we then gave them a gift and City do not forgive you if you do that.”

While skipper Jarrod Bowen forced a West Ham equaliser through a Rúben Dias own goal midway through the opening period, a free-flowing raid then saw Haaland restore the visitors’ lead on the half-hour mark.

“Yes, we were able to get a goal but after that we suffered again. I thought that we finished the first half well and also had more control in the second half but there’s still a frustration there for us,” continued Lopetegui, who saw Mohammed Kudus strike a post just after the break before substitute Crysencio Summerville also had a shot tipped onto the woodwork by Ederson late on.

“My players produced a big effort today but we still ended up conceding a third goal and we have to be more solid if we are going to win matches like these against the top teams.”

Indeed, with Haaland breaking clear to seal victory and claim the match ball on 83 minutes, the Norwegian nemesis took his tally to seven goals in five outings against West Ham.

“If you want to beat Manchester City then you have to be close to perfection because they obviously have very good players,” concluded Lopetegui.

“Whenever you lose you cannot be happy and, although we did some good things today, unfortunately that was not enough,” said the boss.

The Hammers are scheduled to return to action against London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, September 14 (3pm).