Haaland rewrites history at Craven Cottage
Sources confirm Erling Haaland has cemented his status as the Premier League's most prolific striker, reaching 100 top-flight goals in just 111 appearances. The Norwegian smashed Alan Shearer's long-standing record of 124 games by 13 matches during Manchester City's extraordinary 5-4 victory at Fulham on Tuesday.
Haaland's 17th-minute opener - a thunderous first-time finish from Jeremy Doku's cross - triggered the milestone. Understanding is that the 25-year-old also turned provider for Tijjani Reijnders and was instrumental in City's dominant first-half display that saw them race into a 5-1 lead.
"It's huge. I'm really proud," Haaland told Sky Sports. "The 100 club is a nice thing to be in. I knew about this record and that's what I try to do - help the team by scoring goals."
Exclusive: Pep Guardiola admitted disbelief at the numbers. "If you told me he would score 100 goals in 111 games, I would say: 'Are you sure? In this league?' His numbers are not in discussion. I'm happy for him."
Fulham's stunning fightback falls short
The drama at Craven Cottage was far from over. Samuel Chukwueze struck twice in six minutes to reduce the deficit to 5-4, setting up a frantic finale. Josko Gvardiol's goal-line clearance in the 97th minute denied Josh King what would have been a scarcely-believable equaliser.
City move to within two points of leaders Arsenal. The nine-goal thriller marked the 41st time under Guardiola that City have scored five or more in the Premier League - matching Arsene Wenger's entire Arsenal tenure in 828 fewer games.
Villa complete remarkable remontada at Brighton
Wednesday's headline act saw Aston Villa recover from 2-0 down to defeat Brighton 4-3 at the Amex Stadium. Ollie Watkins ended an 11-game goal drought with a first-half brace before Amadou Onana's towering header completed the comeback.
Donyell Malen added Villa's fourth, though Jan Paul van Hecke's second of the night ensured a nervy finish. The victory extends Villa's winning streak to six matches in all competitions and lifts them to third place, six points behind Arsenal.
Understanding is that Unai Emery became the manager with the most Premier League wins in Villa's history - 62 - surpassing both John Gregory and Martin O'Neill.
Leeds stun Chelsea at Elland Road
The biggest shock of Matchweek 14 arrived at Elland Road, where Leeds United dismantled Chelsea 3-1. Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka netted first-half goals before Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed the victory that lifts Daniel Farke's side out of the relegation zone.
Sources indicate Chelsea's title aspirations have taken a significant blow. Enzo Maresca's side had been considered genuine contenders, but this defeat - their second in three matches - leaves them trailing Arsenal by a growing margin.
Arsenal extend lead with comfortable win
Leaders Arsenal maintained their position at the summit with a 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Emirates. The Gunners remain the team to catch, though their advantage over second-placed City has been trimmed to two points with a game in hand.
Liverpool held by promoted Sunderland
Defending champions Liverpool dropped points for the sixth time this season, drawing 1-1 with Sunderland at Anfield. Florian Wirtz's 81st-minute deflected strike salvaged a point for Arne Slot's side, but their inconsistent campaign continues.
Liverpool sit eighth - a startling position for the reigning champions—though they have games in hand on most rivals above them.
United frustrated by late Hammers equaliser
Manchester United's topsy-turvy season continued on Thursday as West Ham snatched a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Diogo Dalot's 58th-minute opener looked set to secure three points until Soungoutou Magassa's close-range finish in the 83rd minute rescued a point for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Bryan Mbeumo, United's top scorer, was denied by an excellent Alphonse Areola save, while Bruno Fernandes struck the post in a frustrating night for Ruben Amorim's men. United remain seventh with 22 points; West Ham climb off the bottom three with 12.
Around the grounds
Everton secured a vital 1-0 victory at Bournemouth, while Crystal Palace claimed the same scoreline at Burnley. Nottingham Forest continue their impressive campaign under Sean Dyche with a 1-0 win at bottom-placed Wolves.
Newcastle and Tottenham played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at St James' Park, with Cristian Romero scoring twice—including a dramatic overhead kick in the 95th minute to rescue a point for Spurs.
Matchweek 14 results
Tuesday 2 December: Bournemouth 0-1 Everton, Fulham 4-5 Manchester City, Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham
Wednesday 3 December: Arsenal 2-0 Brentford, Brighton 3-4 Aston Villa, Burnley 0-1 Crystal Palace, Leeds 3-1 Chelsea, Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland, Wolves 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Thursday 4 December: Manchester United 1-1 West Ham
