Erling Haaland blew up at referee Craig Pawson before marching off to be substituted during Manchester City's thumping 5-1 win over Wolves. The Norwegian was at his dominant best as he scored four goals in a Premier League game for the first time to keep the pressure on title rivals Arsenal.
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Haaland flourished at the Etihad Stadium with Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden pulling the strings behind him. But a physical battle with Wolves' centre-backs seemingly left him feeling unfairly treated by the officials.
One particular incident, in which substitute Jack Grealish was awarded a free-kick, saw Haaland let rip as he bellowed in Pawson's direction with his arms spread wide, clearly mouthing the words 'f***ing unbelievable'.
Haaland was substituted seconds later and continued venting his frustration as he trudged off the pitch. The 23-year-old had already scored a hat-trick by the half-time break and added another in the second half, taking him well clear of Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak in the race for the Golden Boot.
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The former Borussia Dortmund frontman is now on 25 Premier League goals this term - 11 fewer than the record-breaking total he managed in 2022/23.
He still has three matches to add to that total as City look to chase down Arsenal at the top of the table. The Gunners are one point ahead following their win over Bournemouth on Saturday, but they have played a game more than the reigning champions.
City's game in hand is away at Tottenham just three days after next weekend's trip to Fulham. Julian Alvarez will also hope to play a part in the title run-in after notching his side's fifth goal of the game at the Etihad.
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Two of Haaland's goals came from the penalty spot, with another headed in after a towering leap and the fourth a left-footed rocket. Hwang Hee-chan knocked in a rebound for Wolves to make it 3-1, but City restored their buffer just one minute later and proceeded to add a fifth.
On Haaland's angry reaction late in the game, City boss Pep Guardiola explained: "He's a little bit frustrated, but I understand. He was frustrated with the referee. With the long balls sometimes they push him and he is pulled. Yes, it is like that."
He added: "The 20 minutes he played against Nottingham Forest was really good and today as well. We arrive [at the end of the season] together because Erling and Kevin have been out, but Phil and Julian have played so well."
