Sports

Published

4 years ago

March 19, 2023

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Haaland followed his five-goal haul against RB Leipzig in the Champions League by claiming another three to take his tally for the season to 42.

Erling Haaland

The Norwegian is now just two short of the record jointly held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mohamed Salah for the most goals in a season for an English top-flight club in all competitions during the Premier League era.

Julian Alvarez added two goals and substitute Cole Palmer also scored on a sobering night for former City skipper Vincent Kompany, whose Burnley side have surged 13 points clear at the top of the Championship.

Burnley did well in the first half but could not match Haaland’s staggering efficiency in front of goal.

City opened up in the second period though, underlining the chasm in class between England’s top two divisions.

“He is at the right place for his development because he is still very young,” said Burnley boss Kompany of Haaland. “He will get better – he has the right coach and the right mindset.

“I have played against the greats. They are part of a special elite. The very best find it difficult to stop these guys. They keep finding a way. He looks like a superstar who is willing to improve and that is exciting to see. The goalscoring record puts you in a certain bracket – it is the hardest part of the game.”

It will be City’s sixth semi-final appearance in seven seasons under Pep Guardiola, and on this form few will argue against them lifting the trophy for only the second time in that period as they retain hopes of completing the Treble.

The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals takes place on Sunday following Brighton’s tie against Grimsby Town

Haaland now has an incredible six hat-tricks in his debut season in English football – already half as many as brilliant Argentine Sergio Aguero managed in his ten-year City career.

Considering City would play another 18 games if they reach both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, it is not beyond the realms of possibility Haaland will finish the campaign with about 60 goals, which has never come close to being achieved in modern times.

The problem for defences is he has so many attributes.

“Haaland is a beast,” said Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer on Match of the Day. “He is a goalscoring machine. He lives and breathes goals.

“If he doesn’t score he doesn’t sleep at night. He wants another one, then another one, then another one.

“He’s fantastic, and this team must be a dream with the chances they create. He might get 50 goals, maybe even 60. It’s bonkers.”as Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals

Sports

Mourinho Reacts To Ronaldo’s Retirement, Says CR7 Still Has Goals

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3 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing his permanent withdrawal from the Portugal national team, drawing the curtain on a legendary 23-year international career.

Addressing the media fallout during his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming LALIGA fixture against Valencia, Mourinho offered a supportive perspective on the situation.

Mourinho, who previously managed Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisted that the veteran’s controversial exit should not overshadow his monumental contributions to the country.

“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” Mourinho daid

However, the Portuguese tactician also expressed visible regret over the sour circumstances surrounding the departure of his nation’s greatest-ever player.

“The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,” the Real Madrid boss added.

While Ronaldo’s international days are officially over, Mourinho was incredibly quick to remind reporters that the forward remains a devastating force in domestic football.

“He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated emphatically.

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Iheanacho Sustains Scoring Form, Hits Target In Bursaspor’s Draw At Antalyaspor

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4 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Bursaspor played out a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig encounter on Friday night.

The Nigeria international had previously scored in 12 consecutive league matches for Bursaspor before his remarkable scoring run came to an end against Bandırmaspor last weekend

Iheanacho restored his scoring touch by opening the scoring against Antalyaspor in the 26th minute.

However, an own goal from Tural Bayramov brought the visitors level before the half-time break.

The striker has now recorded an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.

Despite dropping points, Bursaspor remain top of the league standings with 37 points

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Palmer Left Out Of England Squad As Jobe Bellingham, Josh King Earn Maiden Call-Ups

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1 day ago

November 6, 2026

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England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest squad for the final Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

However, Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.

Tuchel said Palmer had missed too many opportunities to represent England, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists for Chelsea this season.

Jobe Bellingham joins his elder brother, Jude, in the squad after impressing at Borussia Dortmund.

King also earns his first call-up following a strong start to the season, with two goals and one assist in the Premier League.

Defender Ben White returns to the squad for the first time since March, while Declan Rice is also back after missing the previous camp through injury.

Djed Spence has also returned after recovering from injury.

England will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.

Tuchel’s side are second in Group A4, three points behind leaders Spain. The top two teams will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.