Erling Haaland and Phil Foden Add Their Names to Unique Premier League List

Manchester City forwards Erling Haaland and Phil Foden have made their mark on a peculiar Premier League statistic. By scoring in West Ham’s defeat, they played a role in Julen Lopetegui’s departure from the club, marking their first contribution to what can be termed as “managerial scalps” in the league.

This phenomenon occurs when players score in a match that directly precedes a manager's dismissal, resignation, or mutual departure. It’s a unique testament to the highs and lows of football, where one team’s success can mark the end of the road for an opposing coach.

A Storied Tradition in Premier League History

Haaland and Foden join an eclectic mix of players whose goals have indirectly influenced managerial exits. This list spans notable names such as Gabriel Agbonlahor, who helped see off managers at Reading and Sunderland, to the more surprising inclusion of Joey Barton, who caused two separate exits at Fulham.

The criteria are strict: only matches during the season count, and the result must have been a clear tipping point. In cases where a manager left after a win, such as Frank Lampard’s 2021 Chelsea departure following an FA Cup victory, their most damaging prior defeat is considered instead.

Notably, Lopetegui’s exit wasn’t the first time two players combined to seal a manager's fate. Haaland and Foden’s feat mirrors other historical performances, cementing their place in this unusual Premier League narrative.

Players Who Have Done It Twice

Some players have achieved this distinction multiple times. For example, Gabriel Agbonlahor’s goals led to the exits of Brian McDermott at Reading and Gus Poyet at Sunderland, while Michail Antonio’s strikes saw off Bob Bradley at Swansea and Nigel Pearson at Watford.

Che Adams, Morgan Amalfitano, and Andre Ayew are also on this list, each responsible for influencing two managerial departures. The trend showcases how impactful a single game can be in determining a manager’s fate.

A Quirky Footnote in Football History

This statistic highlights the dramatic nature of football management. For Haaland and Foden, their contributions in the match against West Ham are a reminder of how individual performances can ripple across the sport.

• Haaland and Foden’s Impact: Their goals contributed to Julen Lopetegui’s exit from West Ham.
• Historical Precedent: 245 players have scored in a manager’s last match, influencing their departure.
• Double Contributors: Players like Gabriel Agbonlahor and Michail Antonio have induced two managerial exits.
• Selection Criteria: Only decisive matches during the season are included, prioritizing significant defeats.
• Premier League Quirk: This unique record adds an intriguing layer to football’s storytelling.