Erling Haaland secured the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons on Sunday, finishing as the league’s top scorer despite missing Manchester City’s final match of the campaign.

The Norwegian striker ended the season with 27 league goals in 35 appearances as City narrowly failed in their bid to retain the Premier League title, which was won by Arsenal.

Haaland was absent from City’s squad during their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, a match that also marked the end of manager Pep Guardiola’s celebrated 10-year reign at the club.

By claiming another Golden Boot, Haaland joined Premier League greats Alan Shearer and Harry Kane as three-time winners of the award. Only Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry have won the accolade more often in the Premier League era, with four titles each.

Igor Thiago of Brentford finished second in the scoring charts with 22 goals, a campaign that also earned him a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Haaland started the season in dominant fashion, scoring 19 goals in his first 17 league matches and establishing himself early as the division’s leading striker.

However, his influence on Guardiola’s side became even more evident during a difficult spell around the turn of the year when he managed just one goal in seven games — a penalty against Brighton & Hove Albion. During that period, City won only twice, a run that ultimately proved costly in the title race.

The 25-year-old regained his scoring touch late in the season, netting crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in matches seen as decisive moments in the championship battle.

Despite Haaland’s efforts, City dropped vital points against Everton and Bournemouth, allowing Arsenal to secure their first Premier League title in 22 years.