Manchester City Edge Fulham 5–4 in a Premier League Thriller

Haaland Hits 100 PL Goals as Chukwueze Shines in Sensational Clash

In one of the most exhilarating Premier League matches in recent memory, Manchester City survived a ferocious Fulham comeback to secure a breathtaking 5–4 victory at Craven Cottage. The nine-goal thriller will undoubtedly go down as a modern classic, showcasing everything fans love about English top-flight football—relentless energy, world-class finishing, and unforgettable individual performances.

With this result, Pep Guardiola’s side extended their head-to-head winning streak against Fulham to 19 matches, while keeping pressure on league leaders Arsenal. For Fulham, the match was a blend of frustration and pride: a disappointing defeat, yet one filled with spirit, desire, and moments of brilliance.

City Waste No Time as Haaland Strikes Milestone Goal

Manchester City entered the match after a dramatic late win against Leeds United, and they carried that momentum straight into this contest. Within the first six minutes, City nearly opened the scoring when Erling Haaland rattled the post—an opportunity the Norwegian striker would usually bury.

But Haaland rarely misses twice.

Just moments later, Jérémy Doku delivered a precise low cross, and Haaland swept the ball home with trademark composure. The goal was far more than just an opener; it was Erling Haaland’s 100th Premier League goal, achieved in an astonishing 111 games—the fastest in league history. The milestone added yet another record to his already phenomenal career.

Fulham attempted to respond quickly, with Emile Smith Rowe proving their most dangerous outlet in the early stages. He forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp low save before sending another chance over the bar. But while Fulham showed flashes of promise, City were ruthless.

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Reijnders and Foden Extend City’s Lead

As half-time approached, Manchester City tightened their hold on the match. Haaland, already on the scoresheet, turned creator with a perfectly weighted pass to Tijjani Reijnders, who delicately chipped the ball over the onrushing Bernd Leno to make it 2–0.

But City weren't done.

Fulham’s defense was carved open again as Phil Foden unleashed a sensational strike from outside the box, a curling finish that flew beyond Leno. At 3–0, City were delivering a masterclass in clinical finishing.

Yet Fulham refused to fold completely. In the final minutes of the first half, Smith Rowe met a cross with a clever glancing header to pull one back. The goal ignited the home crowd and injected a sliver of hope into the contest as the teams went down the tunnel with City leading 3–1.

City Score a Fifth Before Fulham Launch a Stunning Fightback

Any hopes of a Fulham resurgence seemed to evaporate early in the second half. Phil Foden struck again, sliding the ball in from a tight angle to secure his brace and City’s fourth of the evening. Shortly after, Doku added his name to the scoresheet when his attempt deflected off Sander Berge and looped under the crossbar. It marked Manchester City’s first five-goal performance at Craven Cottage since 1927, a remarkable statistic that reflected their dominance.

At 5–1, the match looked finished—but Fulham had other ideas.

Alex Iwobi sparked life back into the game with a curling low shot from the edge of the box, beating Donnarumma at the far corner. Although City continued to create chances—Haaland notably struck the post again—Fulham began to grow in confidence, feeding off their supporters and City’s increasingly stretched defensive line.

With the clock ticking toward the final 20 minutes, the match entered a new phase.

Chukwueze’s Incredible Double Sets Up a Nerve-Shredding Finish

Fulham’s comeback was led by none other than Samuel Chukwueze, who enjoyed his best performance in a Fulham shirt. His first goal was a spectacular volley into the corner, a clean strike that left Donnarumma stranded and brought Craven Cottage roaring to life.

Just minutes later, Chukwueze struck again.

A chaotic corner routine left Donnarumma out of position, and the Nigerian winger punished the error with another emphatic finish. His second goal reduced the deficit to 5–4 and transformed the final stretch of the match into a tense, emotional rollercoaster.

The home fans sensed history. The players smelled blood. Manchester City, normally so composed, suddenly looked rattled.

Fulham Push for a Fairytale Ending, but City Hold On

With Craven Cottage vibrating with belief, Fulham threw everything at Manchester City in the final minutes. Substitute Josh King came agonizingly close to equalizing, only for his effort to be cleared off the line in what proved to be the last major moment of the match.

City weathered the storm—barely—and the final whistle blew on one of the most extraordinary Premier League matches of the season.

What the Result Means

Manchester City

• Have now won four of their last five Premier League matches.

• Continue applying pressure to title rivals Arsenal.

• Showed both attacking brilliance and rare defensive vulnerability.

• Celebrate Haaland’s historic 100-goal milestone.

  
  
  

Fulham

• Suffer only their second home league defeat of the season.

• Showed resilience and attacking quality, especially through Chukwueze.

• Will feel proud of their fightback but disappointed not to secure at least a point.

Man of the Match: Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham)

Despite being on the losing side, Chukwueze’s electrifying performance—highlighted by two stunning goals—earned him the Flashscore Man of the Match award. His pace, flair, and clinical finishing almost inspired a comeback for the ages.

Final Thoughts

This 5–4 spectacle at Craven Cottage will be remembered for years to come. Manchester City displayed their trademark firepower, but Fulham’s fierce resistance turned a seemingly straightforward match into an unforgettable Premier League classic.

If both teams play like this for the rest of the season, fans are in for a thrilling ride.