Erling Haaland set a new Premier League goal record to help Manchester City defeat West Ham United 3-0 to move back to the top of the table on Wednesday.

City edged one point ahead of Arsenal in the title race, with a game in hand remaining, despite being challenged by an undermanned Hammers squad.

After halftime, however, they let loose as Haaland established a City record with his 51st goal in all competitions during his rookie season.

“I do not think of all these records, I would go crazy in my head,” said Haaland. “I go home now, play some video games, eat something and then sleep.”

The Norwegian was honoured by his teammates as he exited the pitch at the conclusion of the game.

“In football when there is a special occasion we have to show how special it is,” said City boss Pep Guardiola.

“We are very pleased for him because he is a joy to work with, to be with, and everyone is happy to have him with us. The record will be broken in the future, maybe by him.”

The visitors were without Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, and Nayef Aguerd due to illness, and David Moyes could only name five outfield substitutes due to injuries.

Moyes’ squad, however, resisted for 50 minutes before succumbing at the Etihad and remaining in the relegation battle.

Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick was headed home by an unlikely source: Nathan Ake, the Dutch defender who rose highest to head in the ball from a Riyad Mahrez free-kick.

The City’s second goal was scored by Haaland, who raced onto Jack Grealish’s pass and deftly dinked the ball over the onrushing Lukas Fabianski.

Photo by EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN