Erling Haaland equals another record as Man City narrow gap to leaders Arsenal

Erling Haaland equalled another record as Manchester City increased the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Leicester.

The prolific Norwegian struck twice at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to draw level with the competition’s record of 32 goals for a 38-game season.

His double came after a superb early strike from John Stones and all but wrapped up a victory for City that cut the Gunners’ lead at the top to three points inside 25 minutes.

Former City striker Kelechi Iheanacho pulled one back and later hit a post as City surprisingly finished nervily but it was still a tough first afternoon in charge for new Leicester manager Dean Smith.

Seven years after winning the title, the Foxes remain in the bottom three with time running out.

Haaland might have even have fancied his chances of rubbing salt in their wounds with a remarkable seventh hat-trick of the season but, with the job seemingly done, manager Pep Guardiola replaced him at half-time.

The forward’s double nevertheless took his overall tally for the campaign to a barely believable 47 from 40 appearances.

And with eight games still to play, the Premier League’s overall record of 34 goals – held jointly by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole – is under serious threat.

Smith made four changes in attempt to lift a side that had collected just one point in their previous eight games, including bringing back the fit-again Youri Tielemans and recalling Caglar Soyuncu.

It seemed to make little difference as City needed just five minutes to take the lead.

Their opener may have come from a relatively unlikely source but, such is the form that Stones is in, that it should have come as no surprise.

HALF-TIME | What a first half!