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Manchester City edge Fulham in chaotic 5-4 win
Pep Guardiola's side notched their 100th Premier League goal for Erling Haaland but nearly squandered a four-goal lead in a wild London showdown.
Haaland milestone amid attacking brilliance
Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals, hitting the mark in just 111 appearances. The Norwegian striker added two assists as Manchester City raced to a 5-1 halftime advantage at Craven Cottage. Phil Foden bagged a brace, Tijjani Reijnders chipped in, and Sander Berge scored an own goal to complete the first-half onslaught.
"I was close to scoring and then they went and made it 5-3-so that's football, that's the beauty of football," Haaland said. "That's why we love the game."
Fulham's late surge exposes City's frailties
Substitute Samuel Chukwueze spearheaded a stunning Fulham revival, netting twice in the final 25 minutes to pull the hosts within one. The Cottagers nearly completed an improbable comeback when a stoppage-time effort was cleared off the line. City clung to the three points but left the pitch looking rattled.
Guardiola quipped afterward: "I'm so old, and the players don't respect me! They don't have to treat their manager in that way. It only happens in this league."
Defensive woes threaten title ambitions
While City's attack remains lethal-converting their first four shots on target into goals this season-their backline is a growing concern. The side has conceded 16 goals in 14 Premier League matches, more than double Arsenal's seven in 13 games. Former striker Clinton Morrison warned on BBC Radio 5 Live: "You can't expect to win the Premier League when you defend like that."
City's recent defensive record is alarming: they've shipped 10 goals in their last four matches across all competitions, compared to just three in the four games prior.
Historical context and Guardiola's perspective
The 5-4 result marked Fulham's first top-flight match with nine or more goals since 1968 and City's first league win while conceding four goals since 1957. It was also the sixth nine-goal game involving City in the Premier League, trailing only Manchester United's seven.
Guardiola downplayed the defensive lapses, suggesting the scare could sharpen his team's focus. "Of course I was concerned [Fulham could come back], but this will help us in future games," he said. "There were some really positive things in what we have done-to come here, to score five goals, and the way we played in that first half."
What's next
City's victory leaves them two points behind Arsenal, though the Gunners could extend their lead to five points if they defeat Brentford on Wednesday. Guardiola's side will need to address their defensive issues to mount a serious title challenge.
