Nigerian gem almost ruins Haaland's history making

It finally happened. After two opportunities (Newcastle, Leeds), Erling Haaland finally made history in the Premier League and became the fastest player to reach 100 goals in just 111 matches. Before him, the record holder was Alan Shearer, who reached the same number of goals in 124 appearances but the Norwegian striker confirmed he is in fantastic form since he came from Borussia Dortmund, and especially this season. Surely, he got the vast majority of those goals against inferior opposition and was often ‘invincible‘ against bigger clubs, but 100 goals in 111 matches is a fantastic achievement no matter what. His goal was just one of five which Manchester City scored in a triumphant win against Fulham 5-4.

The Cottagers really don‘t know how to handle the Citizens as they lost their last 18 meetings against them in all competitions, the longest losing run one side has had against another in English football history and it continued tonight but this one was really close. Nigerian gem Samuel Chukwueze, on loan from AC Milan, came in the second half and brough excitement for the home fans with a quick brace, but luckily for the visitors, the game ended with a 5-4 win. Not only did Haaland scored his 100th goal, but he assisted twice and Phil Foden scored his second brace in a row. England international is in great form again and after Leeds last week, he added two more against the Cottagers. The only thing which Pep Guardiola must address is the number of goals his team is allowing: two from Newcastle, Leverkusen, Leeds and four from Fulham.

Haaland had the chance to reach his milestone in the sixth minute and it was really a good opportunity. Foden's pass split the defense and put Haaland one-on-one with Leno – but his shot hit the base of the post. But the very next chance he finally turned into his 100th goal. Doku's low ball was allowed to bounce through the box and reaches Haaland, who lashed it beyond Leno for the lead in the 17th minute. Fulham nearly equalized seven minutes later when Smith-Rowe got a great ball from Iwobi, but Donnarumma saved from point blank range. And then Haaland assisted to Tijjani Reijnders, who easily lobbed the outrushing Leno for 2-0. Just to make sure that the game was really over after the first half, Phil Foden took a wonderful volley from meters and made it 3-0. Emile Smith Rowe made it 3-1 in injury time, but the second half brough even more excitement and almost complete turnaround.

Foden managed to increase the lead to 4–1 after one of the visitors’ successful transitions, and then Doku rounded off the gallery of fine moves. Everything looked like a nightmare for Fulham. But the Cottagers refused to give up. After taking so many blows, they turned the other cheek and started to play. To the point that Pep Guardiola had to send Stones into the game. The defense, with Gvardiol and Dias as the central defenders, looked porous. Every loose ball was pounced on by Chukwueze, to the horror of Gigio Donnarumma… Panic set into Manchester City’s ranks, but they somehow managed to survive until the end of the match.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 14

Tuesday

Bournemouth - Everton 0-1 (0-0)

/Grealish 78/

Fulham - Manchester City 4-5 (1-3)

/Emile Smith Rowe 45+2, Alex Iwobi 57, Chukwueze 72, 78 - Haaland 17, Reijnders 37, Foden 44, 48, Berge 54 (og)/

Newcastle Tottenham - in progress

Wednesday

22.30: (1.40) Arsenal (5.00) Brentford (9.00)

22.30: (2.20) Brighton (3.50) Aston Villa (3.50)

22.30: (4.80) Burnley (3.75) Crystal Palace (1.80)

22.30: (3.40) Wolverhampton (3.50) Nottingham Forest (2.25)

23.15: (4.70) Leeds (3.70) Chelsea (1.78)

23.15: (1.40) Liverpool (5.00) Sunderland (9.00)

Thursday

23.00: (1.50) Manchester United (4.30) West Ham (6.50)

***odds are subject to change***