EPL: Haaland crowned Premier League’s top scorer

Erling Haaland has claimed the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons, adding another accolade to his impressive career despite Manchester City's final-day defeat. The Norwegian striker was not included in the squad for City's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, a match that also marked manager Pep Guardiola's farewell.

Haaland finished the season with 27 goals in 35 league appearances. While this tally secured him the top scorer award, it wasn't enough to help City overtake Arsenal in the title race. The Gunners were crowned champions after City dropped points in their penultimate game.

With this latest Golden Boot, Haaland joins an elite club of players, including Alan Shearer and Harry Kane, who have won the award three times. He trails only Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry, who have won it four times.

Haaland's season was characterized by a blistering start, with 19 goals in his first 17 games. However, a subsequent lean spell around the new year, where he scored only once in seven matches, arguably impacted City's title defense. Despite a return to form late in the season, including crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal, dropped points in subsequent matches allowed Arsenal to secure the title.