Craven Cottage delivered one of the most explosive Premier League fixtures of the season on Tuesday night as Manchester City battled past a relentless Fulham side to claim a dramatic 5–4 victory.
City took command early, with Erling Haaland breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute before Tijjani Reijnders doubled the advantage just before the 40-minute mark. Phil Foden then took centre stage, scoring in the 44th and 48th minutes to put Pep Guardiola’s men in what looked like an unassailable 4–0 position. A bizarre own goal from Sander Berge in the 54th minute further extended City’s lead.
But Fulham refused to fold.
Emile Smith Rowe ignited the comeback with a well-taken finish in first-half stoppage time, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope heading into the break. The momentum carried over into the second half when Alex Iwobi struck in the 57th minute to make it 5–2.
Substitute Samuel Chukwueze then turned the match on its head with a sensational brace, scoring in the 72nd and 78th minutes to drag Fulham within a single goal of a historic comeback. The closing stages saw wave after wave of Fulham pressure as City clung desperately to their narrow lead.
Despite the late surge, Guardiola’s side held their nerve to walk away with three crucial points in the title race. Fulham, meanwhile, will take pride in their spirited resurgence, even if it ultimately fell short.
PUNCH Online adds that Ryan Cherki, introduced late in the game, received the match’s first yellow card in the 94th minute during eight minutes of added time.
