Football Review | Fulham 4 - 5 Manchester City

Fulham almost pulled off a remarkable comeback. 

Despite this spirited late surge from Fulham, City move within touching distance of Arsenal.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Craven Cottage

Erling Haaland set the tone early on. The Norway striker swept in Jeremy Doku’s cross after 17 minutes to reach his 100th Premier League goal in only 111 appearances, a milestone achieved far quicker than Alan Shearer. It also halted a brief dry spell for Haaland, who had gone three matches without scoring, and hinted at a more decisive contribution to come.

He soon turned provider. A neat pass released Tijjani Reijnders who lifted his finish over Bernd Leno to double the visitors’ advantage. Memories of City’s wobble against Leeds, where they let a two goal lead slip before Phil Foden spared them, resurfaced briefly but Foden appeared to extinguish any repeat when he added a third before the interval.

Emile Smith Rowe responded almost immediately with a superb header to keep Fulham in contention, only for Foden to strike again moments after the restart, guiding in Haaland’s cutback for his fourth goal in two matches. City’s fifth came when Doku’s effort deflected in off Sander Berge, prompting many to assume the contest was over.

Fulham refused to give in

Alex Iwobi bent in a fine effort from distance and substitute Samuel Chukwueze transformed the mood inside the ground with two quick goals. His first came from a driving run to meet a cross, the second a composed finish that cut the deficit to one and set up a tense finale.

Craven Cottage crackled with belief as the hosts pressed for an extraordinary equaliser. Josh King went closest in stoppage time, his effort hacked off the line as City clung on.

The champions ultimately survived the scare and now sit two points behind Arsenal having played a game more, with Mikel Arteta’s side preparing to host Brentford. Fulham remain six points clear of the relegation zone but are acutely aware that the teams below them hold a game in hand.