Erling Haaland clinched a third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons with Manchester City on Sunday, despite missing Pep Guardiola’s farewell match at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian striker was absent from the City squad for the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, as supporters paid tribute to Guardiola following his trophy-filled 10-year spell in charge.
Haaland scored 27 goals in 35 league appearances this season, although City ultimately fell short in their bid to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League title.
The 25-year-old joins Alan Shearer and Harry Kane as three-time Golden Boot winners, with only Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry having claimed the award four times in the Premier League era.
Brentford forward Igor Thiago finished second in the scoring charts with 22 goals, a return that earned him a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Haaland made a blistering start to the campaign, scoring 19 league goals in his first 17 matches. His importance to Guardiola’s side became even more apparent during a rare dip in form around the turn of the year, when City’s title challenge faltered.
During a seven-game spell, Haaland scored only once — a penalty against Brighton — as City managed just two wins in that period.
However, he rediscovered his best form late in the season, scoring decisive goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in matches that proved crucial in the title race.
Despite Haaland finding the net in both fixtures, dropped points against Everton and Bournemouth allowed Arsenal to secure their first league title in 22 years.
AFP
