Erling Haaland has set a new Premier League record after netting his 35th goal of the season against West Ham United.
After Arsenal’s convincing 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, City knew only a victory would take them back to the top of the Premier League table.
West Ham meanwhile, were looking to get away from the drop zone after defeats against Liverpool and Crystal Palace left them in 15th place, just four points away from 18th-placed Nottingham Forest.
On Wednesday night, under the lights at the Etihad Stadium, City completely controlled the proceedings as West Ham sat back to absorb the pressure.
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After the first half ended 0-0, City moved up the gears in the second period.
Nathan Ake gave the hosts the lead in the 50th minute after heading in a Riyad Mahrez cross.
As the clock ticked past the 70th minute, history beckoned for Haaland as he was put through by Jack Grealish.
The Norway superstar cleverly dinked the ball over the onrushing Lukasz Fabianski to make it 2-0 to City.
That goal was Haaland’s 35th goal in the Premier League this season, breaking the record set by Andy Cole in 93/94 and Alan Shearer in 94/95.
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What makes Haaland’s record far more spectacular is the fact that both Cole and Shearer scored 34 goals in a 42-game season whilst Haaland only took 31 matches.
Fans were quick to react to Haaland’s achievement on social media.
One said: “Record breaker for a Premier League debutant. Erling Haaland is from another planet.”
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Another tweeted: “Let me know when he gets to 60 in the league.”
A third fan added: “No Stopping That!!!!! Record Breaker HAALAND.”
Someone else wrote: “Erling Haaland breaking all possible records in his debut season, but people from England want us to believe EPL is the toughest league.”
Whilst a fifth commented: “Who will stop Haaland from scoring.”
Phil Foden added a third goal in the 85th minute to seal a 3-0 victory. As a result, City are back on top of the Premier League table with 79 points, one point ahead of Arsenal.
Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Football, Premier League, Fan Reactions
Marcus Chan