Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester

Manchester, Dec 3: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland reached a historic milestone as the Norwegian striker scored his 100th Premier League goal in a dramatic 5–4 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Phil Foden continued his fine form, netting a brace in a match that showcased City’s attacking brilliance but exposed vulnerabilities at the back.

Haaland, ending a brief three-game goal drought, struck in the 17th minute after latching onto a precise cross from Jeremy Doku. With that finish, he became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals. The striker then turned provider, holding off defenders to set up Tijjani Reijnders for City’s second goal, demonstrating his all-around contribution to Guardiola’s side.

Foden added a third just before halftime, capitalizing on a loose ball following a misjudged punch by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. However, Fulham fought back with a diving header from Emile Smith-Rowe in first-half stoppage time, keeping the hosts in contention.

The second half initially saw City regain control, with Foden scoring again and Sander Berge deflecting a shot from Doku into his own net to make it 5–1. Fulham, however, staged a remarkable fightback as Alex Iwobi struck from distance and Samuel Chukwueze netted his first two Premier League goals, reducing the deficit to a single goal and setting up a nervy finish for the visitors.

Despite the late scare, City managed to hold on and move two points behind leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand. While the attacking display was scintillating, the match highlighted defensive concerns, with City conceding four goals and allowing Fulham to nearly snatch a point.

Individual performances reflected the tense nature of the encounter. Gianluigi Donnarumma struggled to command his area, contributing to Chukwueze’s second goal. Defenders Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly were caught off-guard at key moments, emphasizing the need for more cohesion at the back. Midfielder Matheus Nunes appeared unable to cope with Fulham’s pressure waves, underlining City’s vulnerabilities on the right flank.

Still, the historic milestone for Haaland and the attacking fireworks from Foden ensured that Manchester City emerged victorious in one of the Premier League’s most entertaining matches of the season, keeping their title ambitions very much alive.