Manchester City emerged victorious from a breathtaking, nerve-shredding nine-goal spectacle at Craven Cottage, but their 5-4 win over Fulham laid bare a defensive vulnerability that could threaten their Premier League title ambitions.
Haaland and Foden Fire City into Commanding Lead
The match on December 2, 2025, appeared to be transforming into a routine away victory for Pep Guardiola's side. The visitors were irresistible in the first half, racing into a seemingly unassailable lead. The deadlock was broken by the phenomenal Erling Haaland, who swept home a Jeremy Doku cross to mark a monumental personal milestone: his 100th Premier League goal in just two and a half seasons.
City's dominance continued as Haaland turned provider, expertly setting up Tijjani Reijnders to dink a delightful finish over Bernd Leno. The floodgates then opened when Leno's weak punch fell to Phil Foden, who curled a sublime effort into the top corner. Although Fulham's Emile Smith Rowe pulled one back with a clever header, City restored their three-goal cushion early in the second period.
Foden grabbed his second after another Haaland assist, and a deflected Doku shot made it 5-1. At that point, with the gap to league leaders Arsenal poised to shrink to two points, the contest looked over.
Fulham's Stunning Fightback Creates Grandstand Finish
However, Marco Silva's Fulham displayed remarkable courage and refused to capitulate. Alex Iwobi ignited belief with a stunning low drive into the bottom corner. The comeback then shifted into overdrive following the introduction of substitute Samuel Chukwueze.
The Nigerian winger became the catalyst for a frantic finale. He first drove a shot through a crowd of players after City failed to clear, and then lashed in a second from the edge of the box after a corner was only partially cleared. In the space of 13 minutes, the scoreline had been transformed to 5-4, sending the Craven Cottage crowd into raptures.
Fulham pressed relentlessly for an improbable equaliser, and it nearly arrived in the dying moments. Substitute Josh King saw a last-gasp effort heroically cleared off the line by City defender Josko Gvardiol, allowing the champions to escape with three points.
Title Credentials Questioned Despite Victory
While the victory was ultimately secured, the manner of it will raise serious questions. This defensive collapse came just days after City conceded two early goals in a 3-2 win over Leeds, highlighting a persistent frailty. Manager Pep Guardiola was left with a mixture of relief and concern at the final whistle, acknowledging a problem that rivals Arsenal will have noted.
The match served as a potent reminder of the Premier League's unpredictable drama. For City, the brilliance of Haaland and Foden in attack remains their greatest asset, but their capacity to defend leads is now a glaring issue. They held on for an unforgettable win, but the thrill ride at Fulham exposed a clear weakness that must be addressed if they are to reclaim the title.
