Haaland makes Premier League history with 20 goals in 14 games

LONDON, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Manchester City striker Erling Haaland made football history on Wednesday when he became the fastest player to reach 20 Premier League goals.

Photo: CFP

The Norwegian international set the new record after scoring twice in his side's 3-1 win away to Leeds United, although he didn't celebrate the goals, given that he was born in Leeds when his father Alf-Inge Haaland played for the club.

The 22-year-old has reached 20 Premier League goals in just 14 league appearances for Manchester City, and has played just 1,130 minutes of league football.

Speaking after the match, he admitted that although he had been "irritated" at having to watch the FIFA World Cup on TV after Norway had failed to qualify, the mid-season break had helped him.

"I kind of recharged my batteries and to watch other people score and win games in the World Cup kind of triggers me and motivates me and also irritates me. I'm more hungry and more ready than ever," he said.

Meanwhile, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola warned there is more to come from the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

"I think he is still not at his best," said Guardiola, who nevertheless said Haaland is "always an incredible threat for the opponent. The numbers are unbelievable, but I have the feeling he is not just coming here for the numbers."

"He missed chances, hopefully he can do better, but the numbers are exceptional, [he is] an incredible threat for us and always in the right position at the right time," Guardiola added.

Manchester City's next game is at home to struggling Everton on Saturday.