Manchester City's Erling Haaland and West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in action at the Etihad Stadium. AP

The 22-year-old Norway striker struck in the 70th minute at Etihad Stadium to give the defending champions a 2-0 lead.

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Haaland had equalled the previous record jointly held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole last Sunday at Fulham with his 34th of the season.

And he moved out on his own with the most Premier League goals in a single season with his latest strike.

"It was a nice feeling, as with every single goal I score,” Haaland said. "”Especially to win the game is really important."

Erling Haaland (right) receives a guard of honour from teammates at the end of the match. AFP

Haaland has now scored 51 in all competitions in a remarkable first year at City.

His feat is even more impressive given that Shearer and Cole set the previous benchmark in an era when the league was played over 42 games.

English soccer's top division is now played over a 38-game campaign, with Haaland still having five more matches in which to extend his record.

Haaland left the field to a guard of honour from his City teammates to mark his achievement.

"It was really painful this guard of honour,” he said. "Everyone hit me on the back so it was really painful. But it was a nice feeling so I’m really happy.”

Nathan Ake and substitute Phil Foden also scored in the win that moved City back to the top of the standings, one point above Arsenal.

Associated Press