Manchester City claimed a dramatic 5-4 victory at Craven Cottage, surviving a late Fulham fightback in a nine-goal Premier League thriller. The win also extended City’s dominance over the London side, marking their 19th consecutive head-to-head victory.
City, coming off a stoppage-time win over Leeds last weekend, moved within five points of league leaders Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s men looked to seize control early, with Erling Haaland rattling the post inside six minutes before converting Jeremy Doku’s low cross for his 100th Premier League goal, becoming the fastest player to reach that milestone in 111 games.
“The team showed great character,” Guardiola said. “Even when Fulham came back, we stayed focused and saw the game out.”
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Haaland later assisted Tijjani Reijnders’ chip over Bernd Leno, and Phil Foden’s stunning strike put City 3-0 up. Fulham responded before halftime through Emile Smith Rowe’s header, but City extended their lead early in the second half with Foden’s second goal and Doku’s deflected shot, marking their first five-goal game at Craven Cottage since 1927.
Fulham staged a late fightback, with Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze scoring twice. Josh King had a late chance cleared off the line, ensuring City took all three points.
The win keeps City in touch with Arsenal, while Fulham suffered only their second home league defeat of the season.