Erling Haaland has emulated two Premier League scoring records held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Harry Kane after scoring the only goal in Manchester City's 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
The Norwegian was an injury doubt heading into the contest in North London having previously missed City's last two matches against Real Madrid and Liverpool.
However, Haaland passed a late fitness test and returned to Pep Guardiola's starting lineup against Spurs, with City's No.9 needing just 12 minutes to open the scoring and net what proved to be the match-winner on the night.
Man of the Match Jeremy Doku squared up ex-City man Pedro Porro on the left flank and threaded a deflected pass into the six-yard box where Haaland slotted a first-time strike into the bottom corner.
Haaland thought he had scored a second and put the icing on the cake in second-half stoppage time, but his strike was ruled out for a handball in the build-up and VAR decided against overturning the decision.
Nevertheless, Man City held on for three valuable points and have climbed above Chelsea back into the top four, one point above the West Londoners now in fifth and just one point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, who drew 0-0 with second-placed Arsenal.
© Imago
Haaland equals Van Nistelrooy, Kane PL scoring records
Haaland's goal has seen him move onto 20 in the Premier League this season, becoming only the second player after former Manchester United striker and current Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy to net at least 20 goals in their first three seasons in the division.
The 24-year-old has also become only the second player after ex-Tottenham striker Harry Kane to score 10 or more goals both home and away in three successive Premier League seasons.
Reacting to the news that he has now hit the 20-goal mark in the Premier League this season, Haaland told reporters after the match: "Of course it's nice to hear that now, but again, when you're in the moment you don't really think of it.
"My focus is to help the team win, I know it's boring but it's true. We win and that's what really matters.
On the result, Haaland added: "We are happy. Important three points, that's what we need.
"I think Jeremy did a really good game and he should have had more assists. It was a great goal and good to get the ball from Jeremy.
"It's not easy to know when to get the ball, it was lucky as well with the deflection."
Man City will now turn their attention to the FA Cup and a fifth-round clash against Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, although it remains to be seen whether Haaland - who has now scored 28 goals in 36 games across all competitions this term - will be involved or rested.
Oliver Thomas
