City vs Fulham: Haaland hits historic 100 in nine-goal Craven cottage chaos

WEB DESK: In a Premier League match that defied all defensive logic and delivered pure, unadulterated drama, Manchester City clung on for a wild 5-4 victory over a relentless Fulham side at Craven Cottage. The encounter, an instant classic in the 2025-26 season, was a breathtaking spectacle defined by ruthless attacking and chaotic defending, culminating in Erling Haaland writing his name into the history books.

The Norwegian striker didn’t just score; he announced his 100th Premier League goal with a seismic, all-action performance, becoming the fastest player ever to reach the monumental milestone. Yet, even Haaland’s heroics were almost upstaged by Fulham’s incredible spirit, as the hosts refused to capitulate, staging multiple comebacks to turn a potential rout into a heart-stopping finale.

From the first whistle, it was clear this was no ordinary fixture. Both teams attacked with abandon, treating defensive shape as an afterthought in a relentless, end-to-end basketball-on-grass contest. Every City advance seemed to end with a chance, and every Fulham foray forward carried palpable danger, creating a breathless atmosphere that lasted until the final seconds.

City’s Stars Shine Amid Defensive Disarray

While the scoreline will give manager Pep Guardiola nightmares, the individual quality of his forwards ultimately decided the contest. Phil Foden was in sublime form, orchestrating play and scoring twice, including a sensational long-range strike that seemed to suck the air out of the stadium. Alongside him, Haaland was simply unstoppable, a powerhouse who contributed a goal, two assists, and constant menace, hitting the woodwork twice for good measure.

However, the victory was far from comfortable. Fulham, displaying tremendous courage, exploited City’s uncharacteristically shaky backline time and again. Each City goal was met with a swift response, ensuring the champions could never settle and turning the match into a test of nerve as much as skill.

Player Ratings: Attackers Eclipse Defenders

A breakdown of the City performances tells the story of the match: brilliance at one end, baffling vulnerability at the other.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (5.5) had a day to forget, conceding four times behind a porous defence despite making one crucial first-half save.

The backline struggled collectively. Matheus Nunes (6.5) was busy and combative in an unfamiliar defensive role, but Rúben Dias (6.0) looked uncharacteristically rattled and failed to marshal his unit. Josko Gvardiol (6.5) made a vital goal-line clearance but was part of the general disarray, while young Nico O’Reilly (5.0) endured a torrid time against Fulham’s wingers.

In midfield, the industry of captain Bernardo Silva (7.0) was vital in the chaos. Nico González (6.5) was tidy before being substituted, but it was Tijjani Reijnders (7.5) who shone brightest in the engine room, adding a well-taken goal to an intelligent display.

The attacking trio, however, operated on a different plane. Phil Foden (9.5) was majestic, the game’s chief creator and scorer. Erling Haaland (9.5) delivered a historic, match-winning performance of pure force and clinical edge. Jérémy Doku (7.0) encapsulated the game’s erratic nature—electrifying in moments with a goal and assist, but frustrating with frequent losses of possession.

An Unforgettable Affair

In the end, City’s attacking firepower just outweighed their defensive frailties. This was not a match for tactical purists, but for lovers of pure spectacle, drama, and sporting history. While Fulham’s brave challenge ultimately fell short, they contributed to a Premier League match that will be replayed and remembered for years to come, a day when Erling Haaland reached a legendary landmark in the most chaotic fashion imaginable.