Manchester City survived a dramatic scare at Craven Cottage, edging Fulham 5-4 in a match that showcased their devastating attack but exposed continuing defensive frailties. Erling Haaland reached a landmark 100 Premier League goals — the fastest ever, in 111 appearances — and also supplied two assists as City raced into a 5-1 lead early in the second half.
City’s first-half onslaught produced goals from Haaland, a Phil Foden double, a strike from Tijjani Reijnders and a Sander Berge own goal, with their first four shots on target all finding the net. The performance looked like the kind that would intimidate title rivals, but Fulham, galvanised by substitute Samuel Chukwueze, launched a stirring response. They scored three unanswered goals and forced a stoppage-time clearance off the line, leaving City clinging on as pressure mounted in the closing minutes.
Haaland reflected on the rollercoaster: “I was close to scoring and then they went and made it 5-3, so that’s football, that’s the beauty of football. That’s why we love the game.”
While City’s firepower remains undeniable — Haaland and Foden are in electric form — their defence is an increasing concern. After 14 Premier League matches this season they have conceded 16 goals, more than double Arsenal’s seven in 13 games. It is unusually porous for Pep Guardiola’s title-winning teams; only once before in his six title campaigns (2023-24) had they let in this many so early in a season.
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison voiced alarm on BBC Radio 5 Live, arguing that City cannot expect to win the title while defending in this manner and urging improvement at the back.
The match supplied several striking statistical footnotes. It was Fulham’s first top-flight game with nine or more goals since a 7-2 defeat at West Ham in February 1968 and their first home match with that many goals since a 6-3 loss to Aston Villa in September 1965. For City, it was the 41st time in 356 Premier League games under Guardiola that they had scored at least five goals, and their first league victory while conceding four since a 5-4 win at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday in December 1957. This was the sixth Premier League fixture involving Manchester City to feature nine or more goals; only Manchester United have been involved in more such high-scoring games.
Defensive form has fluctuated recently: City have conceded 10 goals in their last four matches in all competitions after letting in just three in the four before that — a steadiness Guardiola said must be restored. “Of course I was concerned [Fulham could come back], but this will help us in future games,” he said, pointing to positives in the team’s attacking play while admitting there is work to do on character, resilience and defence.
By holding on for the win, City moved to within two points of leaders Arsenal, though that gap could change depending on Arsenal’s results. The game underlined a simple truth for Guardiola’s side: their attacking talent can win matches, but shoring up the defence will be essential if they are to close down Arsenal and sustain a title challenge.
