In a nail-biting match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City emerged victorious with a 3-2 win against Fulham, thanks to a standout performance from Mateo Kovacic, who scored twice.
The game started on a surprising note for Pep Guardiola’s side when Fulham’s Andreas Pereira found the back of the net early on, leaving City trailing and raising concerns about their ability to cope without key midfielder Rodri, who is sidelined for the season due to a serious knee injury.
Despite the initial setback, City showcased their resilience. Kovacic, stepping up in Rodri’s absence, leveled the score in the 31st minute with a deflected shot from the edge of the box. Just two minutes after the break, he struck again, demonstrating finesse and composure as he curled in a well-placed shot from 18 yards.
With City leading 2-1, Jeremy Doku added to the excitement in the 82nd minute, delivering a stunning shot into the top corner to extend the lead. However, Fulham didn’t go down without a fight. Rodrigo Muniz kept the tension alive by scoring with a deflected shot just moments before the final whistle, making it a gripping finish.
City’s win marks their fifth victory in seven league matches, keeping them firmly in contention for the Premier League title as they sit just one point behind league leaders Liverpool. The match highlighted City’s depth and the emerging talent in their squad, with Kovacic proving to be a valuable asset in the midfield.
As the team navigates through a challenging season, questions remain regarding their long-term strategy without Rodri. Nevertheless, with Kovacic stepping into the spotlight, Guardiola can find some solace in the Croatian midfielder’s ability to fill the void and lead the charge.
Overall, the encounter not only showcased City’s fighting spirit but also reinforced their status as serious title contenders in the Premier League this season.
