MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP)— In a captivating clash at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Mateo Kovacic showcased his brilliance by netting twice to propel Manchester City to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Fulham.
The match took an unexpected turn early on when Andreas Pereira gave Fulham a shocking lead, leaving City momentarily stunned. However, Kovacic, stepping in for the injured Rodri, quickly found his rhythm, scoring two crucial goals that turned the tide for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Kovacic’s first strike came shortly after the half-hour mark, leveling the score as he capitalized on a deflected ball that fell perfectly for him just outside the box. With precision and poise, he unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, igniting City’s hopes.
Just two minutes into the second half, the Croatian midfielder struck again. After a clever lay-off from Bernardo Silva, Kovacic demonstrated his skill with a deft touch before curling a beautiful effort from 18 yards out to give City the lead.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as City added a third goal in the 82nd minute. Jeremy Doku, showcasing his pace and skill, cut in from the left wing and unleashed a ferocious shot that rattled into the top corner, seemingly sealing the victory for the hosts.
Despite City’s apparent dominance, Fulham refused to back down. Rodrigo Muniz ensured a tense finish by scoring a deflected goal just two minutes from time, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Throughout the match, City demonstrated their resilience and determination to remain unbeaten in their first ten games this season. With five wins from seven league matches, they are firmly in the race for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, sitting just one point behind league leaders Liverpool after snapping a two-match winless streak.
The absence of Rodri due to a serious knee injury had raised concerns about how City would cope without their influential midfielder. However, Kovacic’s performance proved invaluable, showcasing his ability to step up when it matters most. While Guardiola will undoubtedly review some moments of vulnerability, the win highlights Kovacic’s capability as a formidable presence in the midfield.
City’s strong start was evident with early attempts from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland, but Fulham’s opener came against the run of play. A lack of concentration in the 26th minute allowed Pereira to volley home after a clever assist from Raul Jimenez, giving the visitors a shocking lead that they nearly extended when Adama Traore missed a golden opportunity.
Ultimately, Kovacic’s heroics and City’s attacking prowess shone through, securing a vital three points as they continue to build momentum in their title defense. The encounter served as a testament to City’s depth and the importance of remaining focused, especially in moments when opponents threaten to capitalize.
