In a stunning debut season at Manchester City, Erling Haaland has reached yet another record by equalling Mohamed Salah’s tally for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season with 32 goals. Haaland achieved this feat by scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Leicester, with City still chasing Arsenal for the title. His first goal came from the penalty spot after Wilfred Ndidi was adjudged to have handled in the box after a VAR review. The striker then netted once again just 12 minutes later with a well-taken chip over Leicester goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.
Andy Cole and Alan Shearer are tied for the most goals scored in a Premier League season with 34. However, those tallies came when the English top flight had 22 teams rather than 20, meaning Haaland has four games less to beat them. It’s an impressive number, and one that Haaland will surely exceed by the end of the season.
Despite his efforts, Pep Guardiola decided to bring Haaland off for the second half, with Julian Alvarez replacing him. However, City were still able to claim an important win to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. John Stones opened the scoring for the hosts with a superb half-volley, his first Premier League goal of the season. Haaland then followed up with his double to put Guardiola’s side in control before the break.
Former City striker Kelechi Iheanacho was able to pull one back for Leicester with 15 minutes left to play. It would only prove to be a consolation goal though, with City emerging as the winners on their home turf. They are now three points behind Arsenal, who play on Sunday afternoon against West Ham. City’s game in hand puts them in a good position heading into the final weeks of the season, especially with their crucial clash against the Gunners just around the corner.