City Survive a 9-Goal Madness as Haaland Hits 100 and Fulham Nearly Steal the Show

Manchester City survived a chaotic, breath-stealing night at the Etihad, edging Fulham 5–4 in a match that felt more like a basketball shootout than Premier League football. It was the kind of game where defending took the night off, attackers feasted, and the scoreboard operator probably needed a cold drink afterward.

City burst out of the blocks, piling on goals through Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, two from a sharp and refreshed Phil Foden, and a cool finish from Oscar Bobb. Haaland’s strike carried extra weight as it marked his 100th Premier League goal, a ridiculous milestone reached with the casual calm he’s known for. Even then, the Norwegian shrugged off the achievement, insisting the team’s result mattered more.

But what looked like a routine cruise quickly turned into a late-night thriller. Fulham refused to fold, clawing their way back with Emile Smith Rowe starting the push, Alex Iwobi adding another, and Samuel Chukwueze firing in a dramatic brace that had City fans suddenly checking the clock a little too often. Each attack felt like a warning, each Fulham goal like a reminder that even the champions can wobble.

All eyes were also on City’s new goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, brought in from PSG to replace Ederson. His night was far from reassuring. Fulham tested him five times and scored from four of those chances, dragging his season save rate down to a worrying 58 percent, one of the lowest in the league. It wasn’t the kind of debut stretch City fans hoped for, and it certainly didn’t help ease the tension as Fulham stormed back.

Foden’s brace, though, provided the cushion City desperately needed. The midfielder looked electric, picking up where he left off before his brief spell out of action and reminding everyone why he’s one of Europe’s most dangerous creators.

By the final whistle, Pep Guardiola’s relief looked almost visible. He praised the attacking brilliance but made it clear the sloppy defending and lapses in focus won’t fly as the season tightens. The win keeps City just two points behind Arsenal, but this was a reminder that even champions can get dragged into chaos.

In the end, City won. Just barely. And for the neutral, it was nine goals of pure Premier League madness, the kind fans replay in their heads long after the stadium lights go out.