In a match that will be replayed for decades, Manchester City clawed back a nail-biting 5-4 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 — a game that ended at 9:56 p.m. local time and delivered nine goals, heart-stopping drama, and a historic milestone. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, 25, buried his 100th Premier League goal in the 16th minute, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach the landmark — doing so in just 111 appearances. The win moved City to 28 points, two behind league leaders Arsenal, and sent shockwaves through the title race.
A First-Half Masterclass
Manchester City came out like a team possessed. Within 16 minutes, Haaland had done the unthinkable: a clinical finish past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, sending the away fans into delirium. He hit the post twice more — each time a reminder of his lethal precision. Midfielder Phil Foden added two more before halftime, scoring in the 44th and 48th minutes, the second coming just 2 minutes and 23 seconds after the restart. Tijjani Reijnders made it 3-0 in the 37th with a low, curling shot that nestled into the bottom corner. Fulham looked shell-shocked.
Then came the twist. In first-half stoppage time, Emile Smith Rowe — playing through pain after a nasty collision — rose to meet a low cross from Héctor Bellerín and powered a header past Ederson. It was a lifeline. And then, in the 54th minute, Fulham’s Sander Berge, under pressure from a City cross, miscued his clearance into his own net. 5-1. The game seemed over. NBC Sports commentator Rebecca Lo called it "gloriously wonderful entertainment," noting, "It’s 5-3. They deserve it. They really do."
The Comeback That Shook London
But football, as they say, is never decided until the final whistle. Fulham, trailing by four goals, refused to fold. Alex Iwobi pulled one back in the 57th minute with a well-placed finish after a slick team move. Then, on 72 minutes, substitute Samuel Chukwueze — brought on for Harry Wilson — cut inside from the left and fired a low shot under Ederson. Three minutes later, he did it again. 5-4. Craven Cottage erupted. The home fans, who’d been silent for most of the first half, were now roaring like a storm. The pitch looked like a warzone: players collapsing, tackles flying, shouts echoing off the stands.
Haaland, now on 100 goals, looked shell-shocked himself. He’d been the architect of the lead, but suddenly, he was defending like a man possessed. City’s backline, usually so composed, looked rattled. Leno made a stunning save off a Foden free-kick in the 83rd minute, and City’s goalkeeper Ederson punched a cross straight to Chukwueze — who somehow missed from point-blank range. The ball, it seemed, had other plans.
History Made, But Not Without Fear
Haaland’s 100th goal wasn’t just a number. It was a statement. He’s now faster than even Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, or Harry Kane to reach triple digits. His record breaks the previous mark of 123 appearances held by Shearer. And yet, after the final whistle, he didn’t celebrate with his teammates. He just stood there, hands on hips, staring at the scoreboard. The weight of the moment, perhaps. Or maybe the dread of what almost happened.
For Fulham, it was bittersweet. They lost, but they won respect. Their comeback — from 5-1 down — was the most dramatic in Premier League history since Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City in 2014. And Chukwueze’s two goals off the bench? Only the fourth time a substitute had scored twice in a single Premier League match after his side trailed by four goals.
Manager Pep Guardiola, typically composed, was visibly shaken in the post-match interview. "We were brilliant for 45 minutes. Then we became amateurs," he said. "We stopped thinking. We stopped moving. We let them believe. That’s dangerous. We need to learn this lesson — because the next team won’t give us a 5-1 lead. They’ll kill us."
Where This Leaves the Title Race
With Arsenal having played one fewer game (13 vs. 14), City’s two-point gap isn’t as daunting as it seems. They’ve got two games in hand. Chelsea sit third with 24 points, but their defense has leaked goals in five of their last six matches. Liverpool, still in the hunt at 21 points, are on a dangerous run — seven wins in eight games. Everton, despite their -2 goal difference, have won three of their last four, and are quietly climbing.
Craven Cottage, a ground steeped in history since 1896, has now etched itself into Premier League folklore. Nine goals. One record. One near-collapse. One unforgettable night.
What’s Next?
Manchester City travel to Tottenham next, a team desperate to climb out of the bottom half. Fulham host Chelsea — a chance to prove their comeback wasn’t a fluke. Meanwhile, Arsenal face Brighton, and if they drop points, City will be right back in the driver’s seat. The title race, once thought to be a procession, is now wide open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Erling Haaland reach 100 Premier League goals so fast?
Haaland reached 100 goals in just 111 Premier League appearances, breaking Alan Shearer’s previous record of 123. His combination of pace, clinical finishing, and consistent goal-scoring — averaging nearly 0.9 goals per game — made him the fastest in history. He scored 36 goals in his debut season (2022-23), 27 in 2023-24, and 23 in 2024-25 before this match.
Has any team ever come back from 5-1 down to draw or win in the Premier League?
No team has ever come back from 5-1 down to win. The closest was Manchester United’s 5-4 win over Blackburn in 1999 — they were 4-1 down and won 5-4. Fulham’s 5-4 loss to City is now the largest deficit overcome in a match that ended with a five-goal margin. Only three teams have drawn after trailing by four goals in Premier League history.
Why was Sander Berge’s own goal so critical?
Berge’s own goal in the 54th minute made it 5-1, effectively sealing the game — or so it seemed. But it also demoralized Fulham’s defense, which had been holding strong. When Chukwueze scored minutes later, the momentum shifted. The own goal became symbolic: a moment of despair that inadvertently sparked a revolution.
What does this mean for Manchester City’s title chances?
City are now second, just two points behind Arsenal, with two games in hand. Their attacking firepower is unmatched — Haaland, Foden, and De Bruyne have combined for 29 goals this season. But their defensive lapses, exposed by Fulham, could cost them against top-four sides. If they can tighten up, they’re favorites. If not, Arsenal’s consistency may prevail.
How significant is Phil Foden’s recent form?
Foden’s brace against Fulham was his second consecutive two-goal game — a first for him in the Premier League. He’s now scored 11 goals this season, with 7 assists. His confidence is sky-high, and he’s no longer just a supporting actor. He’s a central figure in City’s attack, especially with De Bruyne still recovering from injury.
What’s the historical significance of Craven Cottage hosting such a high-scoring match?
Craven Cottage, opened in 1896, has hosted over 1,500 Premier League matches. But only three games there have seen nine or more goals. This was the highest-scoring match at the ground since 1957, when Fulham beat Chelsea 5-4. The atmosphere, the setting, the drama — it all combined to make this one of the most memorable games in the stadium’s 129-year history.
18 Comments
That second half was pure chaos in the best way possible. I swear I held my breath for like 20 minutes straight. Football doesn’t get more real than this.
Haaland’s 100th goal was just a stat. The real story is how City turned into a pub team after halftime. They stopped playing football and started playing scared.
Oh please. Haaland’s record? Please. He’s a glorified finisher. The real genius is Chukwueze - that kid turned a funeral into a rave. And you’re telling me Haaland’s the hero? Nah. The real MVP is the Fulham fan who stayed until the end just to witness the collapse. That’s loyalty.
Man, I’ve watched football since the 90s and this match had everything - the speed, the mistakes, the emotion, the sheer unpredictability. Haaland’s 100th goal was historic, sure, but what stuck with me was how Fulham didn’t quit. Even when it was 5-1, you could see their eyes - not defeated, just calculating. That’s the soul of football right there. City were brilliant, yes, but they forgot how to play as a team. Guardiola’s post-match quote? That was the truth no one wanted to say out loud. We all thought City were invincible, but this game proved they’re human. And honestly? That’s beautiful. Football needs moments like this. Not just dominance, but drama. Not just goals, but heart. Chukwueze coming off the bench and scoring twice after being down four goals? That’s the kind of thing you tell your grandkids about. And Foden? He’s not just a supporting act anymore. He’s carrying the team now, especially with De Bruyne out. City’s defense is a mess, but their attack? Still terrifying. This match didn’t just change the title race - it changed how we see City. They’re not a machine anymore. They’re a team that can break. And that’s scary for everyone else.
Craven Cottage must’ve smelled like sweat and thunder that night. Nine goals. One record. One near-death experience for City. Haaland didn’t celebrate because he knew - this wasn’t a victory, it was a warning. Fulham didn’t just score four goals, they shattered the illusion of City’s invincibility. And that own goal? It wasn’t a mistake. It was fate. The ball wanted chaos. The crowd wanted redemption. And Chukwueze? He was the lightning in the storm. You can’t coach that kind of instinct. City’s backline looked like a group of tourists trying to read a map in a foreign language. Guardiola’s right - next time, they won’t get a 5-1 lead. The league’s awake now.
Respect to Fulham for never surrendering their dignity. In Indian cricket, we say 'jugaad' - making something work against all odds. This was football’s jugaad. From 5-1 to 5-4 - not a miracle, but a manifestation of will. Haaland’s achievement is monumental, yet it is the spirit of the underdog that elevates this match into legend. In our culture, we honor those who rise after falling - and Fulham rose not with glory, but with grit. This is why football transcends borders. It is not merely sport; it is soul.
While Haaland’s statistical milestone is undeniably impressive, it is imperative to acknowledge the systemic defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Fulham’s relentless pressure. City’s transition from dominant to disorganized within a 30-minute window reflects a concerning lack of tactical adaptability. Furthermore, the psychological impact of such a collapse cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of a tightly contested title race. The emergence of Chukwueze as a decisive substitute underscores the importance of squad depth and individual resilience. This match, therefore, constitutes not merely a statistical anomaly, but a profound narrative of fragility within dominance.
HAALAND DIDNT EVEN CELEBRATE LOL WHAT A CLOWN. CITY PLAYED LIKE A TEAM OF 12 YEAR OLDS AFTER HALFTIME. GUARDIOLA IS A FRAUD. HE THINKS HE’S A GENIUS BUT HE CAN’T COACH DEFENSE. FULHAM DESERVED TO WIN. THE OWN GOAL WAS A CURSE. I SAW IT COMING. THIS IS ALL FIXED. WHO’S PAYING WHO? WHO’S THE REAL CHAMPION? I’M NOT BUYING THIS. 5-1? THEN 5-4? THAT’S NOT FOOTBALL. THAT’S A MOVIE. I’M SICK OF THIS FAKE SPORT.
I was watching this with my dad. He’s 72, never watched a Premier League game before. He just kept saying, ‘Son, this is why I used to love the game.’ We both sat there silent after the final whistle. No cheering. Just… awe. That’s what football is supposed to be.
Haaland 100 goals and still City almost lost? That’s wild. Fulham played like they had nothing to lose. City played like they already won. The game had a rhythm - one team dancing, the other just stumbling. And then Chukwueze showed up. Two goals. No fanfare. Just pure instinct. That’s football for you.
This match reminded me why I fell in love with football - not for the trophies, but for the moments that make you forget to breathe. Haaland’s goal was history, yes, but Chukwueze’s second goal? That was poetry. And the way the crowd roared back to life? That’s the magic no algorithm can replicate. To everyone saying City are done - no. They’re just human now. And that’s more beautiful than any perfect season.
There’s a lesson here beyond the goals and the records. City played like champions for 45 minutes - then forgot why they were champions. Football isn’t about talent alone. It’s about presence. About awareness. About not letting your mind drift even for a second. Fulham didn’t win because they were better. They won because they refused to stop believing. And Haaland? He didn’t celebrate because he felt it too - the weight of expectation, the fragility of perfection. This isn’t a defeat. It’s a mirror.
The structural implications of City’s defensive lapse are profound. Their high-line system, predicated on coordinated pressing and spatial control, collapsed under sustained pressure due to a failure in rotational discipline. Chukwueze’s goals exploited the vacated channels between center-back and full-back - a known vulnerability in Guardiola’s model when midfielders overcommit. Furthermore, the psychological contagion of the own goal created a feedback loop of anxiety, disrupting the team’s cognitive load management. This match exemplifies the non-linear nature of elite performance - where dominance can evaporate in the absence of sustained mental resilience. The title race is now a probabilistic landscape, not a foregone conclusion.
Haaland got 100 goals? Big deal. He’s just a tall guy who runs fast. The real star was the ref who let them play. Why was no one called for handball? And why did Fulham get to take so many corners? City got lucky. That’s all. And Foden? He’s just a kid. This match was fixed. You think they’d let City lose 5-4 after being 5-1 up? Come on. This is 2025. Nothing’s real anymore.
100 goals? Yeah right. He’s on steroids. Everyone knows it. City’s defense? Controlled demolition. This was a test. A test by the league to see if the public still buys this fake football narrative. And look - we fell for it. But I saw the cameras. They zoomed in on Haaland’s face right after the 5-4 goal. He smiled. Just a little. He knew. They all knew. This was scripted. The 5-1 lead? A setup. The comeback? The plot twist. They want us to think football’s unpredictable. It’s not. It’s all choreographed. Wake up.
That was the most beautiful mess I’ve ever seen. Haaland’s goal was a bullet. Chukwueze’s were fireworks. And Fulham? They didn’t just score - they sang. City’s defense looked like a broken clock. But that’s what makes football real. No script. No safety net. Just 22 guys trying to outthink each other until the last second. I’ll never forget this game.
City were smoking on the first half then just stopped breathing. Haaland got his 100 but he looked like he lost his phone. Chukwueze? Dude came off the bench and turned the whole stadium into a rave. That’s what legends are made of. Not stats - moments. This game? Pure gold.
Haaland hits 100 goals… and still needs a goalkeeper. Classic. Fulham didn’t win - they just made City look like they were playing with a broken controller. And Guardiola? He looked like a man who just realized his phone died in the middle of a Zoom call.