Manchester City's Erling Haaland will set a new record for the most goals by a player in a Premier League season if he scores against West Ham on Wednesday. AFP
Manchester City's Erling Haaland will set a new record for the most goals by a player in a Premier League season if he scores against West Ham on Wednesday. AFP
Manchester City's Erling Haaland will set a new record for the most goals by a player in a Premier League season if he scores against West Ham on Wednesday. AFP
Manchester City's Erling Haaland will set a new record for the most goals by a player in a Premier League season if he scores against West Ham on Wednesday. AFP

Sport

Football

Pep Guardiola admits incredible Erling Haaland season has been 'a surprise for all of us'

Norwegian striker will break Premier League goal record of Cole and Shearer if he scores against West Ham on Wednesday

The National

May 02, 2023

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits Erling Haaland's astonishing first season in the Premier League has been “a surprise for all of us” but maybe not the player himself.

Haaland will overtake Andy Cole and Alan Shearer's record goals tally if his finds the net against West Ham on Wednesday.

The Norwegian netted his 34th of the league campaign in the 2-1 victory at Fulham, drawing him level with Cole and Shearer, who reached the same total for Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, respectively.

Haaland's strike at Craven Cottage was his 50th of the season in all competitions and, with a potential 10 games remaining, it is not inconceivable that he could pass Dixie Dean's 1927-28 record of 63 for Everton.

The win against Fulham meant City leapfrogged Arsenal in the table and took over the top spot for the first time since mid-February – and they have a game in hand on the Gunners.

And Guardiola is confident there will be more to come for Haaland, 22, before the season is over.

“It is a surprise for all of us – but maybe not for him – to do what he's doing in this difficult league but the way he behaves and has done it is for the success of the team,” said Guardiola ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium.

“Of course it's good for him and the team if he breaks the records. It's a good sign. The magnitude of a record is that is stands for a long time and it’s not broken.

Erling Haaland fired home from the penalty spot to score Manchester City's first goal in their 2-1 Premier League win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on April 30, 2023. AFP
Erling Haaland fired home from the penalty spot to score Manchester City's first goal in their 2-1 Premier League win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on April 30, 2023. AFP
City's Jack Grealish and Kenny Tete of Fulham are both shown yellow cards by referee Simon Hooper. Getty
City's Jack Grealish and Kenny Tete of Fulham are both shown yellow cards by referee Simon Hooper. Getty
Erling Haaland celebrates scoring for Manchester City. Getty
Erling Haaland celebrates scoring for Manchester City. Getty
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson saves at the feet of Fulham's Carlos Vinicius. Getty
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson saves at the feet of Fulham's Carlos Vinicius. Getty
Fulham's Carlos Vinicius celebrates after scoring. Reuters
Fulham's Carlos Vinicius celebrates after scoring. Reuters
City manager Pep Guardiola embraces Erling Haaland after the game. AP
City manager Pep Guardiola embraces Erling Haaland after the game. AP
Fulham's Carlos Vinicius finishes past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. AP
Fulham's Carlos Vinicius finishes past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. AP
Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal. Getty
Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal. Getty
Manchester City's Jack Grealish after his shot hit the woodwork. AP
Manchester City's Jack Grealish after his shot hit the woodwork. AP
City striker Erling Haaland under pressure from Issa Diop of Fulham. Getty
City striker Erling Haaland under pressure from Issa Diop of Fulham. Getty

“All will be broken one day. He himself or another one will break the record Erling is going to set, because I'm pretty sure he is going to score more goals in the Premier League until the end of the season.”

Haaland's partnership with Kevin De Bruyne has been at the heart of City's unbeaten run of 18 games in all competitions and Premier League win-streak of eight matches.

But the Belgium playmaker missed Sunday's victory with an unspecified knock and faces a fitness test ahead of West Ham's visit. Defender Nathan Ake could be in contention after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.

“Nathan trained with us and feels good,” said Guardiola. “Kevin has started to move but hasn't trained with the team [yet]. Now we have training in a few hours and we will know exactly how he feels.”

West Ham have found it tough going this season, despite reaching the Europa Conference League semi-finals, and currently sit 15th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone.

West Ham 1 Liverpool 2: Player ratings

WEST HAM RATINGS: Lukasz Fabianski - 6. There was little the West Ham goalkeeper could have done about Cody Gakpo’s strike, with the ball hit with precision off a bounce before going in off the post. A big stop prevented Liverpool from taking the lead, but Matip scored from the corner in the next phase. EPA
WEST HAM RATINGS: Lukasz Fabianski - 6. There was little the West Ham goalkeeper could have done about Cody Gakpo’s strike, with the ball hit with precision off a bounce before going in off the post. A big stop prevented Liverpool from taking the lead, but Matip scored from the corner in the next phase. EPA
Aaron Cresswell - 6. Didn’t allow Mohamed Salah too much success down his flank, but could have contributed more in attacking areas. PA
Aaron Cresswell - 6. Didn’t allow Mohamed Salah too much success down his flank, but could have contributed more in attacking areas. PA
Nayef Aguerd - 6. A sensational piece of defending prevented what would have been a massive chance for Mohamed Salah, battling well to block the Liverpool forward’s effort – and making up for a mistake he made earlier on in the game. Getty
Nayef Aguerd - 6. A sensational piece of defending prevented what would have been a massive chance for Mohamed Salah, battling well to block the Liverpool forward’s effort – and making up for a mistake he made earlier on in the game. Getty
Kurt Zouma - 6. Generally read play well and intervened to break up plenty of attacks. Helped Nayef Aguerd out after a mistake to stop Mohamed Salah. AP
Kurt Zouma - 6. Generally read play well and intervened to break up plenty of attacks. Helped Nayef Aguerd out after a mistake to stop Mohamed Salah. AP
Vladimir Coufal - 6. Got forward at the right times but was too wasteful with his passing. Defended well for the most part. Getty
Vladimir Coufal - 6. Got forward at the right times but was too wasteful with his passing. Defended well for the most part. Getty
Declan Rice - 6. Alert to the danger to stop plays developing in central areas but sometimes should have taken the safer option with his passing decisions. PA
Declan Rice - 6. Alert to the danger to stop plays developing in central areas but sometimes should have taken the safer option with his passing decisions. PA
Tomas Soucek - 6. Battled well in midfield and won some key headers amid a difficult battle for West Ham to get hold of any meaningful possession. PA
Tomas Soucek - 6. Battled well in midfield and won some key headers amid a difficult battle for West Ham to get hold of any meaningful possession. PA
Lucas Paqueta - 7. Hit his strike from outside of the box with venom, though it was helped on from a deflection off Virgil van Dijk. Always looked to play progressively, and helped drive West Ham into some dangerous areas. AFP
Lucas Paqueta - 7. Hit his strike from outside of the box with venom, though it was helped on from a deflection off Virgil van Dijk. Always looked to play progressively, and helped drive West Ham into some dangerous areas. AFP
Said Benrahma - 6. Confident in space and looked to off-balance his marker. Should have shot first time with his effort in the first half. Not clear why he was marking Matip from the corner that Liverpool scored from. PA
Said Benrahma - 6. Confident in space and looked to off-balance his marker. Should have shot first time with his effort in the first half. Not clear why he was marking Matip from the corner that Liverpool scored from. PA
Jarrod Bowen - 7. Always looked to run in behind and linked well with Paqueta. Had the ball in the net, but VAR ruled it out for offside. A constant threat for Liverpool who struggled to deal with him at times in isolated situations. Getty
Jarrod Bowen - 7. Always looked to run in behind and linked well with Paqueta. Had the ball in the net, but VAR ruled it out for offside. A constant threat for Liverpool who struggled to deal with him at times in isolated situations. Getty
Michail Antonio - 6. Battled throughout the match when leading the line and won the ball back in some promising positions. Missed a crucial key pass to Said Benrahma that would have put him in against the goalkeeper. EPA
Michail Antonio - 6. Battled throughout the match when leading the line and won the ball back in some promising positions. Missed a crucial key pass to Said Benrahma that would have put him in against the goalkeeper. EPA
SUBS: Maxwel Cornet (Benrahma 70') - 5. A half-chance was wasted as his effort was scuffed high and wide while aiming for the top corner. PA
SUBS: Maxwel Cornet (Benrahma 70') - 5. A half-chance was wasted as his effort was scuffed high and wide while aiming for the top corner. PA
Danny Ings (Antonio 70') - 6. Found space towards the 80th minute but was tackled by Alisson. Unclear whether it might have been brought back for offside. PA
Danny Ings (Antonio 70') - 6. Found space towards the 80th minute but was tackled by Alisson. Unclear whether it might have been brought back for offside. PA
LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson - 7. A degree of misfortune came with West Ham’s opening goal, as Lucas Paqueta’s well-hit effort deflected off the knee of Virgil van Dijk, changing the trajectory of the ball to leave the Brazilian stranded. Tackled Danny Ings to prevent what might have been a big chance. Getty
LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson - 7. A degree of misfortune came with West Ham’s opening goal, as Lucas Paqueta’s well-hit effort deflected off the knee of Virgil van Dijk, changing the trajectory of the ball to leave the Brazilian stranded. Tackled Danny Ings to prevent what might have been a big chance. Getty
Andy Robertson - 7. A poor pass almost allowed Benrahma in, but that was one error from a fairly consistent game from the Scotland international. Worked hard to provide an option down the left flank with instinctive runs when Diogo Jota went inside, and he was also quick with his decision-making when getting a ball into the box. Assisted Liverpool’s second goal with a well-taken corner. Getty
Andy Robertson - 7. A poor pass almost allowed Benrahma in, but that was one error from a fairly consistent game from the Scotland international. Worked hard to provide an option down the left flank with instinctive runs when Diogo Jota went inside, and he was also quick with his decision-making when getting a ball into the box. Assisted Liverpool’s second goal with a well-taken corner. Getty
Virgil van Dijk - 7. Assured with his passing for the most part outside of one careless moment when conceding possession to Jarrod Bowen. A crucial intervention stopped what would have been a certain goal when getting in the way of a cut-back before it reached Michail Antonio. It was also a typical dominant display in the air from him. EPA
Virgil van Dijk - 7. Assured with his passing for the most part outside of one careless moment when conceding possession to Jarrod Bowen. A crucial intervention stopped what would have been a certain goal when getting in the way of a cut-back before it reached Michail Antonio. It was also a typical dominant display in the air from him. EPA
Joel Matip - 8. Often in the right position and showed composure when under pressure from West Ham’s press, helping Liverpool play out of it by linking up with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Got forward at the right times to help recycle possession from clearances. Rose well to head past Fabianski and give the Reds the lead in the second half. AFP
Joel Matip - 8. Often in the right position and showed composure when under pressure from West Ham’s press, helping Liverpool play out of it by linking up with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Got forward at the right times to help recycle possession from clearances. Rose well to head past Fabianski and give the Reds the lead in the second half. AFP
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7. Another assist after playing a quick pass to Cody Gakpo before his effort. That’s now five assists in his last four games, in a display in his new role where he continues to shine. Reuters
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7. Another assist after playing a quick pass to Cody Gakpo before his effort. That’s now five assists in his last four games, in a display in his new role where he continues to shine. Reuters
Fabinho - 6. On the ball more than any other Liverpool midfielder and showed good decision-making with transitioning the ball forwards. He also broke up the play well amid signs of an upturn in form for the Brazil international. Reuters
Fabinho - 6. On the ball more than any other Liverpool midfielder and showed good decision-making with transitioning the ball forwards. He also broke up the play well amid signs of an upturn in form for the Brazil international. Reuters
Curtis Jones - 6. Chose his moments to go forwards and worked tirelessly between transitions to get back and defend. Another positive performance by Jones, who started his fifth straight Premier League game for the Reds. AP
Curtis Jones - 6. Chose his moments to go forwards and worked tirelessly between transitions to get back and defend. Another positive performance by Jones, who started his fifth straight Premier League game for the Reds. AP
Jordan Henderson - 6. Played at a high tempo and linked well with Mohamed Salah. Very vocal from midfield, and often commanded Liverpool’s press that helped regain possession by forcing a long ball. AP
Jordan Henderson - 6. Played at a high tempo and linked well with Mohamed Salah. Very vocal from midfield, and often commanded Liverpool’s press that helped regain possession by forcing a long ball. AP
Diogo Jota - 5. Really should have scored from one of his two chances in the first half, first blazing over the bar before failing to get the right connection on a header. PA
Diogo Jota - 5. Really should have scored from one of his two chances in the first half, first blazing over the bar before failing to get the right connection on a header. PA
Cody Gakpo - 7. Always difficult to dispossess when holding the ball in dangerous areas, where he looked to drop off to receive the ball from midfielders. Scored with a precise effort from range that went in off the post. AP
Cody Gakpo - 7. Always difficult to dispossess when holding the ball in dangerous areas, where he looked to drop off to receive the ball from midfielders. Scored with a precise effort from range that went in off the post. AP
Mohamed Salah - 7. Constantly looked to challenge his marker and was involved in a number of promising attacks from playing quickly in tight spaces. Produced an excellent cross in the first half that Diogo Jota was unlucky not to convert. Reuters
Mohamed Salah - 7. Constantly looked to challenge his marker and was involved in a number of promising attacks from playing quickly in tight spaces. Produced an excellent cross in the first half that Diogo Jota was unlucky not to convert. Reuters
SUBS: Thiago Alcantara (Henderson, 59') - 6. Controlled play well from midfield, but his biggest moment in the match came when he made a tackle before handling the ball inside the area, adjudged not to have been handball by the officials. Getty
SUBS: Thiago Alcantara (Henderson, 59') - 6. Controlled play well from midfield, but his biggest moment in the match came when he made a tackle before handling the ball inside the area, adjudged not to have been handball by the officials. Getty
Luis Diaz (Jota, 59') - 6. More minutes for Diaz who is easing back into sharpness, and he did produce some moments that showed his agility and deceptiveness on the ball is still there. AP
Luis Diaz (Jota, 59') - 6. More minutes for Diaz who is easing back into sharpness, and he did produce some moments that showed his agility and deceptiveness on the ball is still there. AP
Darwin Nunez (Gakpo, 77') - NR. Had space on the break but should have done better in some moments, giving away the ball carelessly. AFP
Darwin Nunez (Gakpo, 77') - NR. Had space on the break but should have done better in some moments, giving away the ball carelessly. AFP
James Milner (Jones, 84') - NR. Added experience late on to help Liverpool see out the result. PA
James Milner (Jones, 84') - NR. Added experience late on to help Liverpool see out the result. PA

Manager David Moyes led the team to sixth and then seventh-place finishes in the previous two campaigns and they were beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt at the last-four stage of last season's Europa League.

And while two defeats on the spin – against Liverpool and Crystal Palace – have left West Ham perilously close to the relegation zone again, Guardiola will not taking anything for granted

“Maybe West Ham didn’t have the season they expect but the quality is there,” the Spanish coach added. “In the last two seasons with David Moyes they have been exceptional.

“The weapons are there, they are a good team. I don't have doubts about them. In one game anything can happen. We have to be absolutely ready.

“At set pieces they are one of the best and Michail Antonio attacks the channels. The weapons are there. In one game anything can happen.”

Bio:

Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
While you're here
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Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Name: Colm McLoughlin

Country: Galway, Ireland

Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free

Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah

 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20750hp%20at%207%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20800Nm%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%207%20Speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20332kph%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012.2L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYear%20end%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1%2C430%2C000%20(coupe)%3B%20From%20Dh1%2C566%2C000%20(Spider)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

Plan to boost public schools

A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.

It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.

Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.

Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.

Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EEtihad%20Airways%20operates%20seasonal%20flights%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20Nice%20C%C3%B4te%20d'Azur%20Airport.%20Services%20depart%20the%20UAE%20on%20Wednesdays%20and%20Sundays%20with%20outbound%20flights%20stopping%20briefly%20in%20Rome%2C%20return%20flights%20are%20non-stop.%20Fares%20start%20from%20Dh3%2C315%2C%20flights%20operate%20until%20September%2018%2C%202022.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20Radisson%20Blu%20Hotel%20Nice%20offers%20a%20western%20location%20right%20on%20Promenade%20des%20Anglais%20with%20rooms%20overlooking%20the%20Bay%20of%20Angels.%20Stays%20are%20priced%20from%20%E2%82%AC101%20(%24114)%2C%20including%20taxes.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE BIO

Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist

Age: 78

Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”

Hobbies: his work  - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”

Other hobbies: football

Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club

 

Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar. 

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities. 

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong. 

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Titanium Escrow profile

Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue  
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family

2.0

Director: S Shankar

Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films

Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

While you're here
THE SPECS

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch

Power: 710bhp

Torque: 770Nm

Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds

Top Speed: 340km/h

Price: Dh1,000,885

On sale: now

Updated: May 03, 2023, 7:56 AM
Premier LeagueWest Ham UnitedManchester CityPep Guardiola