Manchester City Striker Erling Haaland has broken the record for most goals scored in a Premier League season.
The Norwegian calmly chipped the ball over on rushing West Ham goal keeper to score his 35th league goal of the season, and with that he moved past Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s joint record of 34 goals each.
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Both Andrew Cole then of Newcastle United and Alan Shearer then of Blackburn Rovers scored 34 goals in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons respectively, when the season comprised of 42 matches.
While Alan Shearer played all 42 games for Blackburn Rovers, Andrew Cole played 40 games for Newcastle. Haaland has surprised the records of these legendary players in just 31 matches.
The Norwegian spoke to Sky Sports after the game, saying: “A special night and special moment. Yeah I’m really happy and proud.
“Of course I knew about it [the record]. Of course but we try to create the chances to score goals. It was not easy.
“They came here to try to defend for 90 minutes and we struggle a bit in the first half but second half, Nath (Ake) scored, I scored and the last one Phil (Foden) of course scored so it was an important win.”
Haaland had already set a new high in a 38-game season, surpassing Mohamed Salah’s 32 goals for Liverpool in 2017-18. He now holds the overall record and has another five games to add to his tally.
Haaland’s 35 goals are also the most by a player in a single campaign in the English top division since Ron Davies scored 37 for Southampton in 1966-67, while Dixie Dean boasts the record with 60 in 39 games for Everton in 1927-28.
Haaland has 51 goals in all competitions this season. Manchester City will play city rivals Manchester United in the English FA Cup final, and play Spanish giants and defending Champions Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Back in the 1927-28 campaign, Everton’s Dixie Dean notched a staggering 63 goals in a single season across all competitions.
That remains the highest tally of anyone playing in England’s top tier.
Haaland was given a guard of honour by his team-mates after the final whistle.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
