Erling Haaland marked a major personal milestone at Craven Cottage as the Manchester City striker became the fastest player to hit 100 Premier League goals. The Norwegian reached the century with a first-time effort from a Jeremy Doku delivery in the 17th minute.
His achievement arrived in just 111 appearances, surpassing Alan Shearer’s previous benchmark by 13 matches. The strike also ended a brief lean spell, stopping a run of three outings without a goal and taking his league tally to 15 goals in 14 fixtures this term.
Haaland was not done. He soon carved open the Fulham defense with a precise pass that allowed Tijjani Reijnders to lift the ball neatly over Bernd Leno, doubling City’s advantage. Phil Foden, who had rescued City late on against Leeds, then added a third before the interval to seemingly curb any threat of a repeat comeback.
Fulham responded immediately through Emile Smith Rowe, whose powerful header reduced the deficit, but Foden restored the three-goal cushion early in the second half with a sharp finish at the near post following more Haaland involvement.
Fulham’s spirited push and City’s defensive struggles
City looked out of sight when Doku’s attempt found the net via a deflection off Sander Berge, stretching the score to 5-1 and suggesting a routine evening for Pep Guardiola’s men. But the closing stages exposed familiar issues for a side still chasing Arsenal.
Marco Silva’s team refused to fold. Alex Iwobi curled in Fulham’s second from a distance, signalling that the hosts were not ready to settle. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze then took command of the momentum, striking twice in quick succession to drag his side to within one goal.
With the home support driving them on, Fulham pressed relentlessly, and Josh King’s late effort was scrambled clear as City clung on. Their narrow escape served as another reminder of defensive weaknesses, with City now having conceded 16 times in 14 league matches — a contrast to Arsenal’s far tighter record.
Despite the anxious finale, the champions held on to move within two points of the league leaders, though they have played one game more. Arsenal meets Brentford on Wednesday in a fixture that could widen the gap again.
Silva’s squad shows resolve despite defeat
Although Fulham’s winless run against City extends back to 2011, this performance offered grounds for optimism. What appeared to be a one-sided evening shifted into a genuine contest once Chukwueze entered the fray, his pace and intent unsettling a previously composed visiting defense.
Fulham’s late surge nearly overturned a four-goal deficit, a turnaround that would have stood among the most remarkable in their Premier League history. Their second-half display showcased resilience and attacking verve, characteristics that will be vital as they look to maintain distance from the relegation places.
While the match ultimately slipped away, scoring six times across challenging encounters with Tottenham and City provides encouragement. The Cottage crowd left with pride in a team that refused to surrender, even against one of the division’s most ruthless attacks.
