adminLONDON. — Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has broken the record for most goals in a Premier League season.
The Norwegian scored his 35th league goal of the campaign against West Ham to move past Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s previous best of 34.
This is what they said:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Sport: “Incredible. He’s just 22 – and still has five games left. How many games I made the substitution after a hat-trick in 60 minutes, maybe he’d have scored more. But maybe he’d have got injured. He’s special. Congratulations to him.
“We expected him to score goals but to break Cole and Shearer records … I’m pretty sure what he wants is to win the Premier League.”
More from Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. How many important goals he’s scored to win games, we are so satisfied.
“He’s a unique person and he’s so special. He deserved the guard of honour because it’s an incredible milestone. Another day he might break his own record. He’s scored a lot of goals!”
Shearer, writing on Twitter: “Couldn’t have wanted it to go to a nicer guy. It’s only taken 28 years!!!! He’s the best.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on Sky Sports: “Honestly, Erling Haaland is absolutely incredible. Astonishing scenes from a top, top individual.
“This is his debut season – to do what’s he has done is absolutely breathtaking.”
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s crazy. The way he came in and does this every day. He deserves everything he gets, he works so hard and he’s a top player.”
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think there are things he can improve. He has the thing that every striker needs: he can finish.
“He is the missing piece to what Pep Guardiola is trying to do. He wants the Champions League. They haven’t had the person up top that was going to take those chances. They have him now.” — BBC Sport.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter