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In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage on December 2, 2025, Manchester City defeated Fulham 5-4 in one of the most exciting matches of the season.
The match, played in torrential rain, featured nine goals, a dramatic second-half comeback by the home side, and a historic milestone for Erling Haaland.
City led 3-1 at halftime before extending their advantage to 5-1 early in the second half, but Fulham pulled within a goal in the final minutes, thanks to a goal-line clearance by Josko Gvardiol in stoppage time that secured the points for the visitors.
17′: Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City with a first-time shot after a low cross from Jérémy Doku, scoring his 100th Premier League goal in just 111 games, the fastest in history. 37′: Tijjani Reijnders doubled City’s lead, calmly finishing off a through ball from Haaland, who had rounded Joachim Andersen.
44′: Phil Foden made it 3-0 with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
45’+2′: Emile Smith Rowe pulled one back for Fulham just before halftime, heading in a cross from Harry Wilson at the far post (Fulham 1-3).
48′: Foden restored the three-goal lead almost immediately after the break, tapping in at the far post after another Haaland pass following a Doku cross.
54′: City’s fifth goal came after a deflection: Doku’s shot grazed Sander Berge and went past Leno, scoring an own goal (or credited to Doku in some reports), making it 5-1. 57′: Alex Iwobi pulled one back with a curling shot from 20 yards, revitalizing Fulham’s play (5-2).
72′: Substitute Samuel Chukwueze sparked the comeback, firing home after a layoff from Bernardo Silva (5-3).
78′: Chukwueze scored again six minutes later, beating Gianluigi Donnarumma with a weak shot from a corner (5-4). A dramatic finish: Fulham pressed for an equalizer, with Josh King forcing Gvardiol into a desperate clearance off the line during eight minutes of added time.
Standout players included Haaland (1 goal, 2 assists, a constant threat), Foden (2 goals, versatile and accurate), and Chukwueze (2 substitute goals, a game-changer). City’s fluid passing and counter-attacking style shone early on, while Fulham’s resistance to counter-attacks was evident throughout the match.
The victory catapults City to 28 points from 14 games (9 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses), placing them just two points behind leaders Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ midweek clash with Brentford.
Haaland’s milestone goal underscores his dominance, while Foden’s brace signals a return to his best form after a run of four goals in two games. It keeps City firmly in the title race, maintaining pressure on their rivals in a crowded top four.
Squandering a 5-1 lead exposes defensive weaknesses, with lapses in concentration allowing Fulham to mount a comeback.
This could undermine confidence in Pep Guardiola’s approach, especially after recent inconsistencies, and raises questions about its sustainability in high-stakes matches. A potential penalty claim against Nico O’Reilly went unpunished, further fueling the debate about refereeing decisions.
Positive: Despite the defeat, the performance is very encouraging under Marco Silva. The comeback from 5-1 down highlights the team’s attacking prowess and spirit, with the loan signing of Chukwueze from AC Milan a key factor.
The contributions of Smith Rowe and Iwobi bolster the squad’s depth, and the team’s counter-attacking threat (enhanced by the quick transitions of Wilson and Iwobi) suggests that securing a mid-table finish is within reach.
Fulham remain on 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 7 losses), stuck in 12th place and vulnerable to a relegation battle if they lose momentum.
The defeat stings after such a valiant effort, and the early concessions (including Leno’s mistake) underline persistent problems with game management. Silva admitted to having mixed feelings after the match, praising the positives but lamenting the “not-so-favorable” result.
This nine-goal epic stands as a Premier League classic, encapsulating the chaotic brilliance of the league: elite finishing, non-stop action, and relentless drama under the bright lights.
For City, it’s a vital, yet cautionary, victory that cements their credentials as title contenders while exposing the cracks Guardiola must plug to reclaim the crown.
Fulham, though heartbroken, emerge with their heads held high; their near-robbery is a testament to their growing ambition and a reminder that no advantage is safe against a defiant but fired-up side.
In a season of surprises, this encounter delivered pure entertainment in the rain, leaving fans rapturous and analysts dissecting it for days.
