Manchester City defeated Burnley 5-1 to return to winning ways in dominant fashion at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side, who were coming off a frustrating 1-1 draw against Arsenal last weekend, produced a resounding response to remind their Premier League rivals of their attacking firepower.
Going into the game, City were the clear favourites, and they did not disappoint their home supporters. From the opening whistle, the reigning champions dictated the tempo, maintaining possession, probing the Burnley backline, and creating numerous chances. The visitors tried to remain compact, but City’s relentless pressure eventually forced an early mistake.
The breakthrough came when Burnley defender Maxime Estève mistakenly put the ball into his own net following a dangerous cross from Jeremy Doku. It was an unfortunate moment for the Clarets, whose solid start quickly unraveled due to one lapse in concentration.
However, the joy for the home side was short-lived. Burnley responded impressively as Jaidon Anthony capitalized on a defensive mix-up among City’s backline. The winger pounced on a loose ball and fired a precise low shot past City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, leveling the score at 1-1 and silencing the Etihad momentarily.
Despite enjoying overwhelming possession, City could not find another goal before halftime. The first 45 minutes ended evenly poised, with Burnley showing flashes of resilience while City’s finishing touch deserted them in front of goal. But that would change dramatically after the interval.
Matheus Nunez Restores Control as City Turn On the Style
After the break, Pep Guardiola’s men emerged sharper and more determined. Their midfield trio began to dictate the rhythm with greater urgency, stretching Burnley’s defensive shape and creating passing angles between the lines.
In the 61st minute, City finally restored their lead. Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunez received a clever pass from Erling Haaland and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
As City regained control, the pressure on Burnley intensified. The visitors struggled to contain the pace and movement of Guardiola’s side, and soon, Maxime Estève endured another nightmare moment. Attempting to clear an effort from Oscar Bobb, the Burnley defender inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net once again — making it 3-1 to City.
With the contest effectively settled, all eyes turned to Erling Haaland, who had been relatively quiet in front of goal until the final minutes. The Norwegian striker, already with an assist to his name, soon came alive to deliver another masterclass in clinical finishing.
Haaland’s Late Double Seals the Win
In the 89th minute, Haaland latched onto a loose ball in the box and smashed home City’s fourth goal of the evening. It was a trademark strike from the prolific forward — quick, instinctive, and unstoppable. Moments later, deep into stoppage time, he struck again, adding a second goal to his tally and completing a memorable brace.
Though the goals came late, they carried huge historical significance. With them, Haaland created new records, etching his name even deeper into Premier League and Manchester City history
Haaland Becomes Highest-Scoring Norwegian Player in Premier League History With 93 Goals
Following his late double as Manchester City defeated Burnley 5-1, Erling Haaland reached another extraordinary milestone. The Norwegian forward has now scored 93 Premier League goals, making him the highest-scoring Norwegian player in the competition’s history.
It took Haaland just three seasons to surpass the long-standing record held by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United striker who netted 91 goals during his decorated career at Old Trafford.
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Haaland had already equaled Solskjaer’s tally last weekend when he scored against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Many expected it was only a matter of time before the 25-year-old broke the record, and he did so emphatically against Burnley with two goals in the closing stages.
With 93 goals in only three Premier League seasons, Haaland has rewritten the history books for Norwegian footballers in England. His consistency and scoring rate are unmatched, and with many years left on his contract, the record could stand for generations.
At just 25 years old, Haaland’s career trajectory suggests he is far from reaching his peak. He continues to evolve under Guardiola, adding creativity and movement to his already devastating finishing ability.
As long as he remains fit and motivated, it will be nearly impossible for another Norwegian player to surpass his record in the foreseeable future.
Erling Haaland Becomes Second City Player With Highest Premier League Goals
Beyond his national achievement, Haaland’s two strikes against Burnley also saw him climb higher in Manchester City’s Premier League scoring charts. The Norwegian is now the second-highest Premier League goalscorer in the club’s history, surpassing former winger Raheem Sterling, who scored 91 league goals before leaving for Chelsea.
With 93 league goals, Haaland now trails only Sergio Aguero, the Argentine legend who scored 184 goals in 275 appearances over a decade with the club. While Aguero’s record once seemed untouchable, Haaland’s blistering pace suggests it could be under threat sooner than many anticipated.
Remarkably, the Norwegian has reached his tally in just 103 Premier League appearances, averaging nearly a goal per game — a rate even Aguero never matched over a full career in England.
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With several years remaining on his contract and the possibility of a long-term stay at the Etihad, Haaland has every chance to surpass Aguero’s legendary total. If he continues at this rate, the 184-goal mark could fall within the next few seasons, solidifying Haaland’s place as the most prolific striker in City’s Premier League history.
Erling Haaland Joins Manchester City’s Top Ten All-Time Goal Scorers
Haaland’s relentless form this season also means he continues to climb Manchester City’s all-time scoring chart across all competitions. With his brace against Burnley, he moved into the club’s top ten.
Haaland now has 133 goals in just 153 appearances — a stunning return that highlights his extraordinary efficiency. No player in the club’s history has reached 130 goals in so few games.
At the top of the list sits Sergio Aguero, the undisputed icon of City’s modern era, with 260 goals in 390 appearances in all competitions. Behind Aguero is Eric Brook with 177 goals. Tommy Johnson who scored 166 goals is at the third position. Colin Bell scored 153, while Billy Meredith scored 152 to occupy the fourth and fifth position respectively. Joe Hayes is next with 152, got same amount of goals as Meredith. Francis Lee and Tommy Browell made the top eight on the list.
Now, Haaland in the ninth position has joined that illustrious company. His numbers are remarkable not only for their volume but also for the sheer speed at which they’ve been achieved. If his current scoring rate continues, he could surpass several of these club legends within the next two seasons.
