Pep Guardiola was showing his playful side. Erling Haaland was not the only one at Manchester City who brought up a milestone. The tunnel comprised of teammates was formed, however, for the first player to score 35 goals in a Premier League season.
“I didn’t have the guard of honour today but maybe next time,” smiled Guardiola. Haaland’s 51st goal of the season had been Manchester City’s 999th under the Spaniard. It meant that Phil Foden’s deflected volley took their tally in his reign to 1,000. They have come in under seven seasons, at an average of over 140 per year. To put it another way, City’s 136 in the current campaign, high as it is, is still a few short of their normal haul.
