Haaland Scores 100th as Man City Edge Nine-Goal Fulham Thriller

LONDON: Manchester City secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Fulham in a nine-goal spectacular that will be remembered for both its attacking brilliance and defensive farce. The result was powered by a historic performance from Erling Haaland, who shattered the record to reach 100 Premier League goals in just 111 games.

Haaland’s milestone strike, coupled with a Phil Foden double, a Tijjani Reijnders goal, and an own goal from Sander Berge, saw City race into a seemingly unassailable 5-1 lead early in the second half. Haaland was not only a clinical finisher but also a creative force, contributing two key assists.

“I was close to scoring and then they went and made it 5-3, so that’s football, that’s the beauty of football,” Haaland commented on the unpredictable nature of the game.

The powerful display of offensive football, which saw City score five goals from their first four shots on target, should have sent a tremor through their title rivals. However, the result ended in chaos, providing a significant sigh of relief for leaders Arsenal.

Fulham, sparked by substitute Samuel Chukwueze, staged a stunning comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to narrow the margin to 5-4. City were left clinging desperately to their lead, absorbing shots and begging for the final whistle, with one effort cleared off the line in stoppage time.

Manager Pep Guardiola offered a tongue-in-cheek reaction to his team’s chaotic finish: “I’m so old, and the players don’t respect me! They don’t have to treat their manager in that way.”

The win ensures City stay just two points behind Arsenal, though the gap could widen again if the Gunners defeat Brentford on Wednesday. While the attacking quality of Foden and Haaland remains undeniable, questions surrounding the team’s ability to manage a lead have now been placed front and center.