Fulham’s Nigerian contingent Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey delivered exceptional performances as the Cottagers mounted a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful comeback in a pulsating 5–4 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.
Manchester City started with intent, with Erling Haaland ending his goal drought in the 17th minute to net his landmark 100th Premier League goal faster than any player in history. The Norwegian striker had already hit the post earlier, warning Fulham of the pressure to come.
He soon turned provider, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for City’s second, before Phil Foden struck a stunning long-range effort to give the champions a commanding 3–0 lead just before halftime.
Fulham, however, kept themselves alive thanks to impressive first-half defending from Bassey and a well-timed header from Emile Smith Rowe that gave the hosts a lifeline heading into the break.
The momentum of the match shifted when Marco Silva introduced Chukwueze at halftime. The Nigerian winger instantly energised Fulham’s attack with his pace and direct approach, unsettling City’s backline. Yet City restored their cushion through another composed finish from Foden, followed by an unfortunate deflection off Sander Berge that stretched the scoreline to 5–1.
Just when the game appeared out of reach, Iwobi reignited belief with a cleanly struck low drive from distance to make it 5–2. Chukwueze then took centre stage, first latching onto a loose ball to fire in Fulham’s third, and later finishing off a swift counterattack to complete a brilliant brace that reduced the deficit to just one goal.
While Fulham surged forward in search of an equaliser, Bassey remained a steady presence at the back. His crucial blocks, recovery runs and leadership under intense pressure ensured the scoreboard remained within reach despite City’s relentless attacks.
Craven Cottage was on the brink of eruption when Josh King came inches from a last-minute equaliser, but his effort was cleared off the line by Josko Gvardiol, preserving City’s narrow win
