It’s that time of the year again, when the mighty English Premier League takes centre stage, pushing everything else in our lives to the margins. Each weekend, 20 revered institutions will lock horns against each other in a relentless battle of glory and guts. So, it’s only fair that we become your mouthpiece to record the hits, fits, misses and magic. Welcome to the Man’s World EPL Special, an exclusive series curated to take you through the enchanting landscape of the most captivating league in the world.
When Erling Haaland found the back of the net last season, in Manchester City’s 3-0 triumph over West Ham, he broke a three-decade-old record scripted by Andrew Cole in 1993/94 and Alan Shearer in the subsequent season. Both Cole and Shearer scored 34 goals in a season. Over the years, many elite strikers with killer instincts graced the Premier League, but they never surpassed that record, until the Norwegian Erling Haaland did it last year. In what was his first season in Premier League, Haaland scored 36 goals and helped Manchester City clinch their third consecutive title.
As the new season of the Premier League kicks off in less than a week, the most interesting storyline would be to see if Haaland betters his own record, or he undergoes a sophomore slump. Cole and Shearer’s record stood for over three decades. Will Haaland’s record will also stand the test of time? It’s hard to predict, especially with the advancement in sports nutrition and training. But there are other records that are unlikely to be broken.
Fewest Goals Conceded In Premier League Season (15)
Undoubtedly, a free-flowing, possession-based game looks more pleasing to the eyes, but that’s not the only way you could conjure up results in your favour. There exists a different school of thought – albeit out of vogue in recent years – that prioritises defensive solidity over anything else, of which Chelsea’s 2004/05 title-winning campaign remains the high point. Under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, Chelsea conceded just 15 goals the whole season. Their record for the fewest goals conceded in a season looks unbreakable, much like their defence.
Staying Unbeaten Whole Season
Between May 2003 and October 2004, Arsenal stayed unbeaten in top-flight football, earning the tag of “The Invincibles”. In Premier League, they ended up with 26 wins and 12 draws to win the title. The streak lasted for 49 games before they suffered a controversial 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. The prolific striker Thierry Henry started all but one game of the streak, scoring 39 goals.
Three Hat-tricks in Eight Games
Among the numerous records Erling Haaland shattered in his first season, the most insane is his three hat-tricks in as many home games. In doing so, he also became the quickest to score three hat-tricks, in just eight games. Before Haaland, the record stayed with Michael Owen, whose three hattricks took 48 games. Haaland’s third hat-trick came against the arch-rivals from another part of the city, Manchester United. No other City players had ever scored a hat-trick against United before him.
Scoring In 21 Different Seasons
If longevity has a name, it ought to be Ryan Giggs. The talisman registered his name on the scoresheet in 21 consecutive seasons. The Welshman even scored in a couple of seasons prior to the establishment of the Premier League, thus effectively scoring in 23 seasons on the trot. Known for his lethal free kick and powerful shooting, Giggs’ most memorable goal – an 80th-minute strike on the last day – helped Manchester United win the championships.
Scoring Against Same Teams In Nine Consecutive Matches
Sadio Mane always brought his best game when the opponents were Crystal Palace. He scored against them in nine consecutive matches. Before Mane, Robin Van Persie held this record, scoring in eight games in a row against Stoke City. Mane could have scored his tenth had he not been occupied with the national duty for Senegal.
