Erling Haaland’s exceptional performance broke Andy Cole’s Premier League record when he scored his 50th league goal in just his 48th game during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Norwegian forward opened the scoring in the 27th minute, driving a left-footed shot past Alisson. Haaland has now netted goals in nine of Manchester City’s 13 games this season, solidifying his status as a goal-scoring prodigy.
Comparing his achievement to Cole’s, the forward reached the 50-goal milestone in fewer games than Cole during the 1994-95 season. With 43 goals in 58 games for Newcastle before transferring to Manchester United, Cole’s feat was impressive. Haaland, on the other hand, set the Premier League record for most goals in a single season during his first season with Manchester City, scoring 36 times as the team secured their third consecutive title last season.
Throughout his career, Haaland has consistently displayed his goal-scoring prowess. He scored 16 times in 14 appearances during his final season with Red Bull Salzburg, and 62 goals in 67 games over three seasons with Borussia Dortmund. Additionally, he not only attained the Premier League record as the fastest player to reach 50 goals but also holds the Champions League record for reaching 30 goals in record time.
With his eyes now set on reaching 100 goals, Haaland aims to catch up to Alan Shearer, who hit the mark in 124 Premier League games.
In the meantime, Haaland’s victory was overshadowed by the fact that he could not secure three points for his team, as Manchester City held the lead for 53 minutes before Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the equalizer in the 80th minute, leaving the teams to split the points.
Despite the draw, the top two teams in the Premier League standings remain separated by only a single point through 13 games, keeping the title race poised. Consequently, Arsenal could potentially surpass Manchester City and Liverpool if it defeats Brentford on Saturday.
The Premier League’s top two teams remain separated by a single point after Saturday’s 1-1 draw. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (John Powell via Getty Images)
