Manchester: Manchester City edged past Fulham 5–4 in a dramatic Premier League clash on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland becoming the fastest player in history to reach 100 Premier League goals. Pep Guardiola’s side produced a devastating attacking display but were left hanging on late after a shocking defensive collapse.
City raced into a 5–1 lead early in the second half thanks to a Haaland strike, a Phil Foden brace, a goal from Tijjani Reijnders, and an own goal by Sander Berge. At that stage, the champions looked set for a routine and dominant victory.
But Fulham mounted a remarkable fightback. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze sparked a surge with three unanswered goals for the hosts, who came within inches of equalising when a stoppage-time effort was cleared off the line. City held on, but only just.
Haaland Makes Premier League History With Fastest 100 Goals
Haaland’s opener—steering home a Jeremy Doku cross—etched his name into the record books. The 25-year-old Norwegian reached 100 Premier League goals in just 111 games, smashing Alan Shearer’s previous mark of 124 matches.
“A proud moment,” Haaland said. “The 100 club is a huge thing. To do it this quickly is amazing. I’m proud and happy… A striker for City should score a lot of goals. That’s my job.”
Haaland, who had gone three matches without scoring, delivered a complete performance at Craven Cottage, hitting the post twice and providing two assists. He now leads the Premier League scoring charts with 15 goals, four ahead of Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
City’s Attack Shines, Defence Crumbles
Though City’s front line looked unstoppable, their defensive frailties nearly cost them the match.
Guardiola, relieved but frustrated, joked afterward:
“I’m so old, and the players don’t respect me! They don’t have to treat their manager that way.”
He later praised Haaland’s milestone:
“Congratulations, it is incredible. He was outstanding today—unbelievable.”
City’s win keeps them two points behind leaders Arsenal in the standings. If Arsenal beat Brentford on Wednesday, the gap will return to five points.
Fulham’s Late Surge Nearly Stuns Champions
Fulham’s spirited response transformed the match from a one-sided contest into a near-historic comeback. Chukwueze was electric off the bench, inspiring all three of Fulham’s late goals and unsettling a City defence that looked increasingly vulnerable.
Despite the late drama, City survived and claimed all three points—but the performance will raise concerns for Guardiola ahead of a crucial stretch in the title race.
