On Wednesday, Erling Haaland of Manchester City scored his 35th Premier League goal of the season, setting a new record and helping his team secure a 3-0 win against West Ham United, which returned them to the top of the table. Despite West Ham's resistance, Haaland scored a delicate chip into the net at the 70-minute mark to break the record for the most goals in a single Premier League season. In the first half, treble-chasing City, who were in second place at the start of the night due to Arsenal's defeat of Chelsea the day before, hit the woodwork twice and were held back by West Ham's defense.
However, Nathan Ake scored the game-winning goal with a header from a free kick five minutes after the break. With five games remaining, Haaland calmed the atmosphere surrounding the Etihad Stadium as he pounced on Jack Grealish's through ball to defeat Lukasz Fabianski and surpass the 34 goals of Andy Cole and Alan Shearer. After securing the victory, replacement Phil Foden made it 3-0 in the 85th minute with a beautifully hit volley.
Pep Guardiola's City are vying for their fifth championship in six years with Arsenal on 78 points after 33 games despite having played one more game. If they defeat Leeds United at home on Saturday, they will increase their lead to four.
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Despite their valiant defensive efforts, West Ham remains in trouble, currently sitting in 15th place, with a four-point lead over the relegation zone. David Moyes' team expected to face an onslaught, and they weren't disappointed as they spent most of the first half defending their own half against an incessant barrage of Manchester City attacks.
City pressed forward relentlessly, with Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez taking shots that were saved by Fabianski, while Haaland stretched to head a cross from Grealish over the bar.
West Ham faced the challenge of defending without midfielder Declan Rice, who was out due to illness, but they held their ground, thanks in part to Angelo Ogbonna's towering presence as he headed away numerous crosses.
Manchester City had reason to fear the worst when they hit the woodwork twice, first with Grealish's snap shot hitting the outside of the upright, and then with Rodri's shot hitting the post and spinning agonizingly across the goalmouth.
Despite enjoying 80% of possession, City struggled to find the back of the net, leaving manager Pep Guardiola scratching his bald head in frustration. West Ham had a chance to take the lead when Jarrod Bowen took a shot, but it was blocked by City's goalkeeper Ederson, following a rare foray forward by the Hammers.
However, just four minutes into the second half, West Ham finally cracked, conceding a goal that would have infuriated their manager, David Moyes.
Despite their strong resistance, West Ham was ultimately undone by a simple set-piece routine. Riyad Mahrez delivered a free-kick towards the far post, where Dutch defender Ake rose unchallenged to head the ball past Fabianski, giving Manchester City the lead.
West Ham still looked capable of turning the game around, but their hopes were dashed when Jack Grealish released Haaland, who calmly scored his 51st goal of the season in all competitions.
To put the cherry on top, Phil Foden scored the 1,000th goal of Pep Guardiola's tenure as City manager, sealing their 3-0 victory over West Ham.
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