December 03, (THEWILL) — Samuel Chukwueze almost stole the headlines from Erling Haaland after the substitute scored twice in six minutes to inspire a thrilling Fulham fightback that fell just short in a 5-4 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage.
The winger, introduced at half-time, struck in the 72nd minute with a shot that evaded Gianluigi Donnarumma before adding a second into the opposite corner five minutes later, turning what appeared to be a routine victory into a nerve-shredding finale.
Haaland had earlier made history by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 English Premier League goals, achieving the milestone in just 111 appearances.
The Norwegian powered Jeremy Doku’s cross past Bernd Leno in the 17th minute before turning provider for Tijjani Reijnders, who chipped the ball over the goalkeeper for his first top-flight goal since the opening day of 2025/2026.
Phil Foden added two goals either side of half-time, finding the top-left corner with a stunning finish before converting at the near post from Haaland’s flick after the interval.
Emile Smith Rowe reduced the deficit with an exquisite header in first-half stoppage time, but Sander Berge’s own goal from Doku’s deflected shot extended City’s lead to 5-1 within nine minutes of the restart.
Alex Iwobi’s curling strike sparked the comeback before Chukwueze’s double ignited genuine hopes of an unlikely turnaround.
The home side threatened to derail Pep Guardiola’s team and their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal during eight minutes of stoppage time, with Josko Gvardiol producing a last-ditch clearance to deny Josh King in the sixth added minute.
City held on to claim three points in one of the season’s most dramatic encounters.
Haaland’s record-breaking achievement was nearly overshadowed by Fulham’s second-half revival in a match that swung dramatically from comfortable to chaotic.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
