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Erling Haaland broke the Premier League’s single-season scoring record on Wednesday. He made it after scoring his 35th goal of an incredible season in a 3-0 win over West Ham.
The 22-year-old equaled the previous-best mark of 34 held jointly by Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer on Sunday. Five games remain in the current season when Haaland’s goal against West Ham in the 70th minute surpassed the milestone.
Erling Haaland: The UnReal Goal Machine
Haaland scored in typical fashion, racing on to Grealish’s ball in behind the West Ham defense and chipping keeper Fabianski to double City’s lead as they chase their fifth Premier League title in six years.
“This is a special night and moment.”
I’m happy and proud.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Haaland said.
“Of course, I knew about the record, but we tried to create scoring chances, which wasn’t easy because they wanted to defend.” We struggled in the first half, but they came.”
Cole’s 34-goal season came in the second year of the Premier League, with Newcastle United, in 1993-94, with Shearer matching it the following season to lead Blackburn Rovers to the title.
Cole and Shearer both set records in 42 games. With 35 goals in 31 league appearances, Haaland had already surpassed the previous record for a 38-game Premier League season, set by Salah for Liverpool in 2017-18.
After the game at the Etihad Stadium, the City players formed a guard of honour, enthusiastically smacking Haaland on the head as he ran through in celebration.
“I think he deserved it, and all the team deserved it because he couldn’t do it without the team,” City manager Guardiola said after the game. “We are very happy for him; he is a joy to work with; and everyone is pleased to have him with us.” Of course, he will break this record sooner or later. He’ll score a lot of goals.
“Of course, when there is a special occasion, we must demonstrate how special it is.” Today it was Erling overcoming Andy Cole and Alan Shearer’s positions. It’s unique because they’re incredible top strikers.”
His father, the City player Alfie Haaland, smiled as he watched from a box and accepted congratulatory handshakes from everyone around him.
Will Haaland be The Next Ballon D’or Winner?
After moving from Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad Stadium last summer, Haaland has nearly weekly broken records.
The forward has already surpassed the previous record for most goals scored by a Premier League player in all competitions. His 52 goals have far surpassed Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 44 for Manchester United in 2002-03 and Salah’s 44 in 2017-18.
Before surpassing the previous high-stakes scoring record in England, Haaland still has a long way to go. In 1927-28, the legendary Dixie Dean scored 60 goals for Everton.
