Erling Haaland was given a guard of honour by Manchester City after breaking the Premier League record in his debut season by scoring for a 35th time in the champions’ 3-0 win over West Ham at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
The Norwegian was playfully slapped as he walked past his teammates and Pep Guardiola. He said: “A special night, and a special moment – I’m really happy and proud. The guard of honour was a nice feeling [and] really painful, everyone hit me on the back.”
Haaland now has 51 goals in total and was asked about beating Dixie Dean’s all-time top-flight record of 63. “I don’t think of this,” he said. “I sleep tonight and then I think about three points against Leeds [on Saturday]. I will go home now and play some video games and then speak – I cannot say which games – it’s too embarrassing.”
While the win restored City as leaders over Arsenal by a point, with a game in hand, a delighted Guardiola praised the 22-year-old.
“He is a joy,” said City’s manager. “I think he deserved the guard of honour, it was a special moment. We are very pleased for him. Of course this record will be broken sooner or later, maybe by him in the future.”
The gesture had been planned. “Of course – when there is a special occasion we have to show how special it is,” said Guardiola. “Today it was Erling who overcame the position of Andy Cole and Alan Shearer [who scored 34 goals]. “He is incredible. He’s just 22 – and still has five games left.”
Guardiola was asked if he is surprised how consistent Haaland has been. “I remember when we lost against Liverpool in the Community Shield that [there was criticism] he will not settle in the Premier League – your colleagues as journalists make incredible comments,” the 52-year-old said.
Of the title race, Guardiola said: “I said after [we beat] Arsenal it is not over and Arsenal prove it – they will not give up.
“I know Mikel [Arteta, the manager] well and a few players there: they are a historic team and they will be there. We were quite stable and at the end we created enough chances to win the game. We have an opportunity on Saturday to go four points ahead and after that we will see.”
Nathan Aké and Phil Foden scored City’s other goals.
