Erling Haaland’s 34th league goal of the season helped Manchester City beat Fulham to move to the top of the Premier League.
The Norwegian striker moved level for most goals in a Premier League season with a third-minute penalty, after Julian Alvarez had been fouled by Tim Ream, to become the first top-flight player to reach a half-century of goals in one campaign since Tom ‘Pongo’ Waring did so for Aston Villa in 1931.
Erling Haaland’s 50th goal of the season in all competitions saw him move level with the 34 goals Andy Cole scored for Newcastle in 1993-94 and the same amount Alan Shearer registered for Blackburn a year later.
Fulham grabbed a 15th-minute equaliser with their first attempt of the match as Carlos Vinicius powerfully shot past Ederson after Harry Wilson had headed the ball into his path.
But the hosts could not hang on to record a remarkable result as Manchester City regained their lead in the 36th minute through Alvarez’s superb strike from 25 yards out.
City’s win moves them above and one point clear of Arsenal, with Pep Guardiola’s side having a game in hand.
This was the first time City have been above Arsenal since mid-February as they aim to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble.