adminLONDON. – Another day, another goal for Erling Haaland – with even his manager surprised at the latest incredible statistic from the Manchester City striker’s record-breaking season.
Haaland converted a third-minute penalty in City’s 2-1 win over Fulham, a result that took Pep Guardiola’s side back to the top of the Premier League and a step closer to their fifth title in six seasons.
It was the 22-year-old’s 50th goal of the campaign in all competitions, following his £51.2m move from Borussia Dortmund in June.
The spot-kick took the Norwegian forward past Clive Allen’s mark of 49 goals for Tottenham back in 1986-87.
Haaland has now scored the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years – since Tom ‘Pongo’ Waring reached 50 for Aston Villa in 1930-31, when Ramsay MacDonald was the UK prime minister.
Waring’s tally came in a season when Arsenal were champions, ahead of Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth, with Manchester United bottom and relegated from the old First Division, along with Leeds.
“Before Winston Churchill was prime minister? Wow. Sounds a long time ago,” was Guardiola’s reaction to hearing the latest Haaland-related statistic.
“Congratulations to Erling. The best goals to help us achieve what we want is still [to come] there.
“I was really impressed that he took the penalty with the strong mentality he has.”
Haaland has only needed 44 games to bring up his half-century – with 34 Premier League goals, 12 in the Champions League, three in the FA Cup and one in the Carabao Cup. – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter