Manchester City escaped Craven Cottage with a breathless 5–4 win, but Pep Guardiola admitted he could not explain how his team nearly collapsed after leading 5–1. The match started calmly enough, with City appearing in full control, only for the final 30 minutes to descend into chaos. A commanding performance quickly turned into a desperate battle for survival as Fulham surged back with three late goals.
Erling Haaland reached his 100th Premier League goal in just 111 appearances—a remarkable milestone—yet even that achievement faded into the background as the match spiraled. Guardiola admitted afterward that he found no enjoyment in the spectacle, insisting the Premier League’s unpredictability can overwhelm even the best teams. His confusion was shared by many as City’s defensive structure vanished without warning.
Guardiola emphasized that at 5–4, the focus shifted entirely to holding on rather than restoring order. He described the closing moments as “just survival,” noting that neither he nor his players could explain the sudden collapse. In the end, City escaped with the victory, though it left as many questions as answers.
Haaland’s Record Overshadowed by City’s Defensive Fragility
Haaland’s milestone should have been the headline of the night. Becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals in Premier League history is an extraordinary mark, and his finish gave City a comfortable early cushion. He could have added another to make it 6–3, but moments later Fulham scored again—turning what seemed secure into a dangerous situation.
Phil Foden continued his brilliant form by scoring his fourth goal in two matches, while Tijjani Reijnders and Jeremy Doku also found the net. Their contributions helped City build what should have been an unassailable lead. Yet Fulham’s relentless response ensured the match became anything but routine.
Guardiola praised his attackers but acknowledged the team’s defending was nowhere near title-winning standard. With Arsenal maintaining strong form at the top of the table, he admitted that City cannot afford such lapses if they want to stay in the race.
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Fulham Turn the Game Into a Thriller
Despite falling behind by four goals, Fulham refused to fold. Emile Smith Rowe struck before halftime, giving Marco Silva’s side a lifeline. Alex Iwobi then curled home a superb long-range effort, injecting belief into a stadium that had seemed resigned minutes earlier.
The introduction of Samuel Chukwueze completely changed the match. The substitute scored twice in six minutes, both with fierce finishes that left Gianluigi Donnarumma stunned. By the time he made it 5–4, Fulham was pushing with real momentum, and City looked increasingly uneasy under pressure. The home crowd sensed a dramatic comeback.
Fulham came inches from completing the miracle. Josh King’s late strike appeared destined for the net until Josko Gvardiol’s desperate goal-line clearance denied the equalizer. Silva said afterward that Fulham’s reaction was “unbelievable” and believed his team deserved at least a point for their bravery and determination.
Guardiola Eyes the Long Road Ahead
After the final whistle, Guardiola stressed the importance of experience in navigating a long Premier League campaign. He acknowledged that Arsenal are “strong and solid” but insisted that City have the resilience to sustain a title chase despite their defensive issues. The chaotic win, he argued, still demonstrated the team’s ability to find solutions under pressure.
He admitted the performance was far from ideal, yet valued the three points gained in difficult circumstances. Guardiola highlighted the players’ mental toughness, especially in surviving Fulham’s late storm. Still, he suggested that improvements in concentration and structure must come quickly if City hopes to remain competitive.
While the match offered warning signs, it also showcased City’s attacking firepower and capacity to respond when threatened. As Guardiola put it, the Premier League demands constant focus—and nights like this serve as a vivid reminder that no lead is truly safe. Follow the latest Premier League news only at footballcoasters.co.uk.