May 4, 2023

May 3, 2023 Manchester City’s Erling Haalan (far right), who scored his 35th goal in a single season in a match against West Ham on the 4th (Korean time), is congratulated by manager Pep Guardiola (far left) and his teammates. Associated Press capture Pep Guardiola (52, Spain) Manchester City (Man City) coach did not hide his joy at the record of 35 goals in a single season set by Elling Hollan (23, Norway). Man City won 3-0 in a home game against West Ham in the 34th round of the 2022-23 season of the English professional football division 1 Premier League held at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on the 4th (Korean time). With this win, Manchester City secured 79 points and pushed Arsenal back to the top spot. In addition, Man City’s main gun Halan also set a new record through the game. In the 25th minute of the second half, when the team was leading 1-0, Haalan took over the pass from Jack Grealish (28, England) and scored a goal with a sensational shot that passed the goalkeeper’s key to solidify the victory. With this goal, Hollan scored 35 goals this season, breaking the EPL record for most goals in a single season. The previous record was 34 goals by Andy Cole (52) in 1994 and Alan Shearer (53, England) in 1995. After the match, Manchester City players held a ‘Guard of Honor’ event for Haalan. Players lined up on both sides of the aisle in the stadium applauded and congratulated Hollan as he passed by. “It was a special moment,” Guardiola said of Haaland’s Guard of Honor event at a press conference held after the game. Hollan noted that he deserves applause.” “Of course, the entire team who helped Halan deserves applause, but he is a special striker,” he said. “I am very happy with his record. He said, “Not only me, the director, but everyone is enjoying working with Halan.” Coach Guardiola said, “Hollan’s record will be broken sooner or later.” He rejoiced again, saying, “It is a special record because it surpasses Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, who were the best strikers.” Then, when asked if he was sure of Halan’s success, Guardiola said, “When I recruited Haalan, I thought he would do well because he scored goals everywhere, but in the end, you don’t know. He looked back and said, “I had to train with him and watch him.” He recalled, “Halan understood the football the team pursued, and his colleagues also understood his movements. Guardiola’s praise for Halan continued. He said, “Hollan scores goals in various situations if he gives the ball.” He has no free-kick goals but he might score forward. He is really versatile.” Guardiola, who had a bright smile throughout the interview, smiled again, saying, “Halan scored his first two goals at Manchester City against West Ham, and he also set a new record against West Ham.” Meanwhile, Man City, which has played 33 league games, is currently one point ahead of second-place Arsenal, having played one less game. Jung Jae-woo Online News Reporter [email protected] [ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]