Pep Guardiola described his feelings during Manchester City’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Fulham as anything but enjoyable. Although the win brought City within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, Guardiola was left on edge after his team almost squandered a hefty four-goal lead.
The match at Craven Cottage saw City taking a commanding 5-1 lead by the 54th minute, seeming to edge towards an easy victory. However, Fulham mounted an unexpected comeback with three goals in a stunning 21-minute stretch, two of which were netted by substitute Samuel Chukwueze, who delivered an exceptional performance and nearly turned the tide.
“I lost my hair,” Guardiola remarked when asked if he relished the contest. He noted that while he might have enjoyed the situation at 5-1, the narrow finish made it intense. Guardiola expressed uncertainty about his team’s defensive strategies, highlighting issues in their ability to handle crosses and occupy necessary spaces. “It was tough,” he admitted, reflecting on the anxiety of needing the result to secure the win.
In the match’s early stages, Erling Haaland etched his name in Premier League history by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals, finding the net first for City just 17 minutes in. Guardiola praised the Norwegian striker’s remarkable ability, remarking that if he had been told Haaland would achieve such a feat in just 111 games, he would have found it hard to believe. “His numbers have no discussion,” said Guardiola.
On the other hand, Fulham’s manager Marco Silva acknowledged the impressive spirit showed by his players but critiqued their initial struggles that allowed City to establish a dominant lead too easily. “We have to do each match better quicker,” he stated, expressing regret over the moments that contributed to their downfall.
Despite the rollercoaster nature of the match, Guardiola’s comments underline the resilience needed in the Premier League, as both sides look to refine their performances heading into the next stages of the season.