Premier League: Chukwueze, Iwobi shine as Man City beat Fulham in nine-goal thriller

Craven Cottage delivered one of the most electrifying matches of the Premier League season on Tuesday night as Manchester City narrowly escaped a furious Fulham fightback to claim a dramatic 5–4 victory.

City looked firmly in control in the early stages. Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with his trademark clinical finish, before Tijjani Reijnders doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, putting the champions on course for what seemed like a routine win.

Phil Foden struck twice — at 44’ and 48’ — putting City seemingly out of reach. A freak own goal by Sander Berge in the 54th minute further bolstered City’s tally.

But Fulham refused to go quietly.

Right before halftime, Emile Smith Rowe clawed one back at 45+2’, igniting belief among the home fans.

The second half exploded when Alex Iwobi buried a 57’ effort to tighten the contest, followed by a stunning brace from Samuel Chukwueze  who came in the second half to score in the 72nd and 78th minutes, bringing Fulham within touching distance of a historic comeback.

The match ticked into the 89th minute with City desperately defending as Fulham threw everything forward, but Guardiola’s men held firm to secure three vital points.

The win keeps Manchester City firmly in the title hunt, while Fulham’s spirited performance—especially the second-half surge—will leave them heartened but frustrated.

PUNCH Online reports that City’s substitute Ryan Cherki got booked  for the first yellow card of the game in the 94th minute of added eight minute injury time.