Sadio Mane, like his teammate Mo Salah, reached the fantastic milestone of scoring 100 Premier League goals when he opened the scoring against Watford for Liverpool on Saturday past, but there is more to the feat that meets the eye.
It’s been a far better start to the Premier League campaign for those from Anfield, manager and all; Liverpool have returned to their usual best and are dominating the pitch, most of the time.
In their opening eight games, they have once again gone unbeaten – they remain the only side to not take a loss after eight played – winning five and drawing the other three games.
Sadio Mane talking on his achievement:
"Honestly, when I came to the Premier League my dream was to score as many as I can and especially to win trophies.So today I’m very happy and very proud to score 100 goals. Hopefully more goals [are] coming and also trophies coming. (Via: liverpoolfc.com)"
Despite an almost flawless showing in the opening matchdays, the Reds sit second in the league standings and trail behind Chelsea by one point. Nonetheless, they have improved drastically since last season’s nightmare of a defending campaign and look as if they can go all the way this term.
Adding to their amazing start, Liverpool’s front three have been at the peak of their powers. Jurgen Klopp’s men are the best-attacking team currently, having scored the most goals over the first few games.
They have scored 22 goals, with Chelsea and both Manchester clubs behind them with 16 goals apiece. From the 22 scored by the Anfield side, 16 of them have come from Roberto Firmino (4), Sadio Mane (5), and Mohamed Salah (7).
How great is this milestone achieved by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane?
Only three players are and were over the 90-goal mark before the season kicked off; the three EPL players being, Man City’s Raheem Sterling and Liverpool’s Mo Salah, and Sadio Mane. Of the three, two have officially hit the target and joined the exclusive club – the two being Liverpool men – Mo and Mane.
What makes it even more special for the Reds pair: they have reached 100 goals in fewer games than one of the world’s best, Cristiano Ronaldo, who must still hit the 100 heights but has played 201 top-flight games.
Sterling, playing a similar number of games as his two counterparts and while on 96 goals before the season got underway, has not reached one hundred goals and he is on 298 appearances – he has only scored once this season so far.
Adding just a little bit more specialness and spice to the feat reached by the African: Sadio did it without any penalty goals – he is only the third EPL player to reach the mile-high club without needing a penalty – now that’s something extraordinary!
Next in line and the closest to reaching 100 Premier League goals
- Raheem Sterling – 97 Goals
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 87 Goals
- Christian Benteke – 83 Goals