Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal in just 111 games, breaking Alan Shearer’s long-standing record.
ERLING Haaland said he was “proud” to make history as the Manchester City striker became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.
Haaland’s clinical finish in Tuesday’s 5-4 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage took him to his century in just 111 league appearances.
The 25-year-old broke the previous record set by former Newcastle and Blackburn star Alan Shearer, who took 124 matches.
“It’s huge and I’m really proud. Of course it’s a massive thing, 100 club is a nice thing to be in and I’m happy,” Haaland said.
He acknowledged he was aware of the record and that scoring goals is his primary job for the team.
Haaland ended a mini-drought of three games without a goal by reaching this latest milestone in his City career.
Of his 100 Premier League goals, 71 were scored with his left foot and 17 with his head.
“When you’re a striker for Man City you should be delivering great numbers,” he stated.
He added that criticism is expected when he does not deliver on that responsibility.
His historic goal came in the 17th minute, assisted by Jeremy Doku’s precise cut-back.
Haaland timed his run perfectly to unleash a ferocious 12-yard blast past Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
The striker now has 15 league goals this season and 20 in all competitions for City.
Reflecting on the chaotic match, Haaland said anyone watching at home would have enjoyed the nine-goal thriller.
He admitted the 5-4 victory was not City’s best performance but they were happy with the win.
The result moved City to within two points of league leaders Arsenal.
Haaland said it was important to win at a ground where Arsenal had also triumphed this season.
He stressed the team should focus on self-improvement rather than thinking too much about their rivals.
Alan Shearer still holds the Premier League’s all-time scoring record with 260 goals.
Haaland said he is aware of that landmark but does not think about it too much. – AFP
