Fulham 4-5 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola’s side took a 5-1 lead at Craven Cottage, but a frenetic second half gave the brave hosts an almighty scare.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Manchester City. And it’s sure to be remembered as one of the best games seen this season. Or any other year, for that matter.
Erling Haaland and City looked to be in complete control, leading 5-1, with Mikel Arteta’s side set to close the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points with Mikel Arteta’s side facing Brentford on Wednesday night. But then City’s defensive fragility was once again horribly exposed as Fulham came so close to the biggest comeback in Premier League history.
Cottages substitute Samuel Chukwueze scored twice in a nail-biting finish that evoked memories of Fulham’s stunning European victory over Juventus in 2010.
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It was also a reminder of why we love this game so much. What looked like a complete walkover, a one-sided mismatch, exploded and until the end it was difficult to see how this actually affected City’s title challenge. Haaland was incredible, Phil Foden scored twice and Tijani Lijnders was dazzling with his first goal for City since the start of the season.
City’s defense then collapsed, much like it did against Leeds on Saturday before they ultimately won 3-2, and that Achilles’ heel could leave Arsenal at a loss as to how to react to the situation.
Can they win the title with such a weak defense? There is no doubt that if we put Haaland up front, we can win the title.
They’re also entertaining, and when the final whistle blew, Guardiola didn’t seem to know whether to laugh or cry. Even Fulham fans just stood up and applauded after this great drama. What a game.
Haaland had already hit a shot inside the post before taking the lead. Jeremy Dok’s low cross was copied by Lijnders and Haaland slotted it home. This gave him a total of 100 goals in the Premier League in two and a half years. What a great striker. And if he keeps going like this, his rivals will be intimidated.
Haaland then turned provider after 37 minutes. He used his physical strength and skill to hold onto the ball, turning before playing it through Lijnders and sinking the ball over Fulham keeper Bernd Leno. Then he dropped the clanger. His weak punch fell straight to Foden, who controlled and set the ball, curling a stunning shot into the top corner.
It looked like the game was over. City had a three point lead. But no one informed Fulham. Emile Smith Rowe pounced on Harry Wilson’s cross and sent a deft header into the corner of the goal.
Normal service appeared to resume shortly after half-time. Haaland set up Foden and scored his second goal with a clean finish. Then, Doc’s shot was deflected by Sander Berge, making it 1-5.
Fulham were very reluctant. Now they went for it. Alex Iwobi’s superb low shot flew into the bottom corner. Two former Arsenal players have scored against their old title rivals. Then Haaland hit a header inside the post.
Chukwueze, who came on as a substitute at half-time, then took control and a dramatic turn of events occurred in the closing stages. Bernardo Silva did not clear his line, but Chukwueze forced his way through the crowd and fired a shot into the far corner.
At the 78th minute, it was 4-5. Wilson’s corner kick was punched away by City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, allowing Chukwueze to score his second goal of the night.
Incredibly, Fulham pressed on. Substitute Josh King had a last-gasp shot cleared on the line by Josko Gvardiol.
Fulham came close to winning. But in the end City achieved an unforgettable victory.
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