May 4 – Manchester City’s marauding Norwegian Erling Haaland broke the record for most Premier League goals in a single season on Wednesday as his 35th goal of an incredible season helped secure a 3-0 win over West Ham United that sent his side back to the top of the table.
The 22-year-old managed the feat in his debut campaign in England and he was given a guard of honour by teammates as he left the field to a standing ovation.
“A big thank you to everyone for the support, nothing happens without you all, we don’t stop here!” Haaland wrote on Instagram following his 70th-minute strike.
The previous Premier League record of 34 was jointly held by Andy Cole (1993/94) and Alan Shearer (1994/94) in an era when league seasons were 42 games long instead of the current 38.
Haaland is still some way short of the all-time record for goals in an English top-flight season of 60 set by Everton legend Dixie Dean in 1927/28. However he has another five matches in which to extend his Premier League record and has now scored a mind-boggling 51 in all competitions in a remarkable first year at City – roughly one for every million pounds the club paid Borussia Dortmund for his signature.
“Incredible. He’s just 22 – and still has five games left,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “We expected him to score goals but to break Cole and Shearer records… he’s special.”
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