Pep Guardiola said it was “impossible” for him to enjoy Manchester City’s 5-4 victory at Fulham, which moved them to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, after his side nearly squandered a four-goal lead.
City were cruising at 5-1 ahead after 54 minutes at Craven Cottage, but Fulham mounted a stunning fightback, scoring three times in 21 minutes. Samuel Chukwueze, on loan from Villarreal, came off the bench at half‑time and netted twice to spark the revival. However, City held on for the win.
“Did you enjoy it? I lost my hair,” Guardiola said. “I thought the players were happy to work with me … it’s the Premier League. I know you’re going to ask what happened but I don’t have an answer. Football is emotion – all the goals were bad defending.”
Erling Haaland opened the scoring, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals. Guardiola praised the Norwegian’s milestone: “For people up front it’s a question of numbers, and his numbers have no discussion. The milestones are insane.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva saluted his side’s character but criticised their slow start. “We have to do each match better quicker,” he said. “We didn’t and, of course, they punished us.”
