Haaland Strikes as Man City Take Early Control at Craven Cottage
Alright, let’s break down what’s unfolding in this Premier League clash between Fulham and Manchester City — a match that came in with history leaning heavily on one side, and within minutes, it started to follow a familiar script.
This meeting at Craven Cottage was already weighted by a remarkable statistic: Fulham had been beaten by Manchester City in their last 18 encounters across all competitions, the longest losing run one English club has ever suffered against another. And before the clock even hit the halfway mark of the first half, signs suggested that run might stretch even further.
Manchester City, sitting second in the table and still chasing consistency away from home, settled quickly. Their intent was clear from the opening moments — keep the ball, probe the spaces, and push Fulham back. The first real warning arrived early when Erling Haaland struck the left post with a sharp effort from a Phil Foden through ball. It was a glimpse of what was coming, and Fulham’s back line already looked stretched.
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Just minutes later, the breakthrough arrived. A smooth move down the flank saw Jérémy Doku glide past his marker before delivering a precise cross into the box. Haaland met it with trademark composure, smashing a left-footed finish high into the net. The goal not only gave City the lead at 17 minutes but also marked another milestone for the Norwegian striker — one that felt almost inevitable given his scoring history against Fulham.
Fulham tried to respond, winning a couple of free kicks in promising areas, but they struggled to build any real momentum. In fact, the numbers reflected their challenge: not a single shot registered in the opening stretch, and possession remained firmly with Manchester City. Fulham had been enjoying a strong run at home recently, winning four of their last five league matches at Craven Cottage, but this was a different level of pressure — the kind they have rarely been able to withstand against City.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side continued to control the tempo. Their midfield trio kept the ball moving with crisp accuracy, while City’s back line — reinforced by the likes of Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol — handled Fulham’s counters with calm efficiency. Fulham’s lone attacking spark, Raúl Jiménez, found himself offside more often than threatening.
As the match progressed, the pattern stayed consistent: City dictating play, Fulham chasing shadows. With historical dominance, strong momentum, and Haaland in full stride, it felt like another chapter was being written in City’s long-running superiority over the Cottagers.
By the time this point in the match was reached, Manchester City looked comfortable, confident, and entirely in control — and Fulham, once again, were left searching for answers.
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