Erling Haaland showcased his exceptional goal-scoring prowess during Manchester City’s convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025. The Norwegian striker scored two goals, bringing his Premier League tally to 104, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 103. This achievement came in just 122 matches, significantly fewer than Ronaldo’s total appearances.
Haaland’s performance not only contributed to the win but also solidified his place as one of the league’s most formidable forwards this season. With 19 goals in 17 matches, he is averaging over a goal per game, a remarkable statistic that underscores his value to Manchester City.
In the match, Haaland opened the scoring in the fifth minute, capitalizing on a cross from Phil Foden. He later assisted Tijjani Reijnders, whose shot found the net in the 38th minute, doubling City’s lead. Haaland then secured his brace in the 69th minute following a defensive error from West Ham. This victory propelled Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table, leaving them one point ahead of Arsenal, who were scheduled to play Everton later that day.
Liverpool also had a notable match, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1. However, the Reds faced a setback with their record signing, Alexander Isak, sustaining a left ankle injury while scoring. This injury could impact Liverpool’s campaign as they push for a title challenge.
While Haaland continues to thrive, other teams are also vying for their spots in the league. Newcastle United faced Chelsea in an intense match that ended in a 2-2 draw, with Nick Woltemade scoring twice for Newcastle before Chelsea equalized thanks to Joao Pedro’s late goal. The draw leaves Chelsea in fourth place, struggling to maintain strong momentum with only one win in their last five matches.
At the other end of the table, Wolverhampton Wanderers are facing a challenging season. They remain winless after losing 2-0 to Brentford, tying the record for the worst start to a Premier League season with just two points from 17 matches. This string of defeats highlights their struggle to find form in the league.
In a noteworthy performance, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo scored in a 1-1 draw against Burnley, underscoring his potential as a target for top clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United.
Overall, Haaland’s record-breaking performance and the unfolding drama in the Premier League reflect the dynamic nature of the league, as teams battle for supremacy and survival in this competitive season. As the campaign progresses, all eyes will be on Haaland, not only for his goal-scoring capabilities but also for his potential impact on Norway’s World Cup aspirations.
