Erling Haaland scored a record-breaking 35th Premier League goal of the season as Manchester City beat West Ham to return to the top of the table.
The Norwegian striker raced on to Jack Grealish’s through ball and chipped past West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to go past the previous record of 34 goals, held jointly by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole.
Nathan Ake had headed City in front early in the second half after he was left unmarked at the back post from Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick and Haaland’s dink doubled the lead.
Phil Foden’s deflected volley made sure of the points to keep Pep Guardiola’s side on course for a fifth title in six years.
West Ham, who were without Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Nayef Aguerd because of a sickness bug, had done a good job of frustrating City in the first 45 minutes, although Grealish and Rodri had both struck the post.
Jarrod Bowen came closest for the visitors but his effort from a tight angle was kept out by City’s German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who was otherwise largely untroubled as he made his Premier League debut, with Ederson left on the bench.
City are now a point clear of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, while West Ham stay 15th, four points above the relegation zone.
–BBC
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