Haaland Equals Salah’s Premier League Record, Boosting Man City’s Chances

Erling Haaland’s performance against Leicester City on Saturday was nothing short of remarkable, despite only playing for 45 minutes. The Manchester City striker managed to equal yet another record during that brief time on the pitch.

Starting the game with 30 Premier League goals, Haaland quickly reached 32 goals within just 25 minutes at the Etihad Stadium. His first goal came from a penalty, while his second was a deftly executed clipped finish over Daniel Iversen in the Leicester goal. It was this second goal that tied Mohamed Salah’s record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season, a record set in 2018.


What’s truly astonishing is that only Andy Cole and Alan Shearer have scored more goals in a single season (34), and they had 42 games to achieve that feat. Meanwhile, Manchester City still have eight league games remaining this season, and potential progress in the Champions League and FA Cup could increase that number to 14. This raises the tantalizing possibility that Haaland could surpass the greatest goal-scoring season in the history of English football.

Of course, Dixie Dean’s record of 60 league goals for Everton in the 1927-28 season remains untouchable. However, Haaland could theoretically surpass his own record of 63 goals in all competitions. With an astounding 47 goals in just 40 games, averaging 1.18 goals per game, if he maintains this form for another 14 games, he could end the season with a staggering 64 goals.

It may seem unlikely, but then again, Haaland has already defied expectations by dominating the Premier League in his first season in England at just 22 years old. When it comes to this Norwegian striker, you can never truly predict what he’s capable of.

“I want him to break all the records,” remarked Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. “Scoring a lot of goals certainly helps, but I think what he truly wants is to win the title and be a key player for the team. We still have eight games to play, and Haaland is on track to feature in most of them. However, we must also be cautious about his injury history and ensure he gets enough rest.”


Guardiola is not typically concerned about records or statistics; he prioritizes winning trophies above all else. Haaland has already scored six hat tricks this season but has also been substituted after scoring twice on six occasions, seven if you count Guardiola’s decision to replace him on 63 minutes after scoring five goals against RB Leipzig, equalling the record for a single Champions League game.

Speaking at his weekly news conference, Guardiola emphasized that club staff are keeping a close eye on Haaland’s fitness around the clock to ensure he remains in top form for the crucial run-in that could potentially end with three trophies. Guardiola makes no apologies for resting Haaland as much as possible, even if it means he only gets to play the first half against Leicester.

The bottom line is that Guardiola wants the 2022-23 season to be remembered not just for Haaland’s individual achievements, but for Manchester City’s potential treble-winning campaign. If they can clinch the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles, it would match a feat only achieved once before by Manchester United in 1999. Nearly 25 years later, United fans still fondly recall “99” as shorthand for the greatest season of their lives. Perhaps in another quarter of a century, City fans will still speak with enthusiasm about “23.”

Guardiola may not openly discuss it, but after defeating Leicester 3-1 and closing the gap to just three points behind Arsenal, who they face on April 26, in the title race, Manchester City’s destiny is in their own hands. Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess has been a key factor in their success, and he has the potential to break records and be a historic player in their quest for silverware.

Manchester City fans are hopeful that this season will be remembered for their potential treble-winning campaign, with Haaland leading the charge. His recent performance against Leicester City, where he equaled Mohamed Salah’s record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season, was nothing short of remarkable, despite playing only 45 minutes.

With 32 goals in just 25 minutes on the pitch, Haaland has already surpassed expectations in his first season in England at just 22 years old. He has been a prolific scorer, averaging 1.18 goals per game and setting up the possibility of surpassing his own record of 63 goals in all competitions.

However, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is mindful of Haaland’s injury history and is focused on managing his fitness carefully to ensure he remains in top form for the crucial run-in of games, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. Guardiola prioritizes winning trophies above all else and wants Haaland to be a key player in their pursuit of a treble.

Guardiola is not concerned about records or statistics, but rather the overall success of the team. He has made no apologies for resting Haaland when needed, even if it means substituting him after scoring twice in a game. Guardiola wants the 2022-23 season to be remembered for Manchester City’s potential historic achievements, not just Haaland’s individual records.

With eight league games remaining and potential progress in other competitions, Haaland has the opportunity to further cement his place in football history. Guardiola and Manchester City fans are hopeful that this season will be remembered as one of their greatest, with Haaland playing a pivotal role in their pursuit of trophies.