To acknowledge Erling Haaland’s Premier League goal-scoring achievement, Pep Guardiola requested his players and staff form a guard of honour, emphasizing the significance of the milestone. Haaland’s goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham increased his league tally to 35, surpassing the joint record held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
Guardiola expressed his admiration, saying, “When there is a special occasion, we have to show how special it is.” Haaland’s goal, a spectacular chip over West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from a through ball by Jack Grealish, increased his total to 51 goals in all competitions this season, just twelve shy of Dixie Dean’s English season record.
Haaland’s teammates, as well as Guardiola and his backroom staff, lined up to acknowledge the Norwegian’s accomplishment as he made his way to the changing room.
Pep Guardiola expressed his admiration for Erling Haaland, calling him “a joy” and saying that the striker will likely break his own goal-scoring record in the future. Guardiola also praised Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, whose record Haaland surpassed.
Haaland, meanwhile, laughed off the guard of honour, saying it was “painful” as his teammates hit him on the back. He stated that he would trade all his goals for the Treble that Manchester City is pursuing, comprising the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
Despite the possibility of breaking Dixie Dean’s English season record, Haaland is more focused on helping his team win titles. When asked about the FA Cup final against Manchester United, he stated that the team cannot think about it yet.
Haaland’s plans for the evening did not involve dwelling on his achievement. Instead, he intended to return home and play video games that he considers “too embarrassing” to mention.
