Man City took a commanding 5-1 lead early in the second half at Craven Cottage on 2/12. However, Fulham mounted a spirited comeback, with Alex Iwobi scoring and Samuel Chukwueze adding two goals, narrowing the gap to 5-4. This forced Man City into a tense defensive struggle in the final moments. A crucial goal-line clearance by defender Josko Gvardiol ultimately preserved their victory.

Entering the press conference, Guardiola opened with a wry question: 'Are you happy? Good game, right? I'm not. Oh my god, I'm losing all my hair'.

Coach Pep Guardiola (right) shakes hands with Samuel Chukwueze after Man City's 5-4 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, London, in Premier League matchweek 14 on 2/12. *Photo: Reuters*

The Spanish coach later admitted he could not explain Man City losing control despite a four-goal lead. 'That's the Premier League, you cannot control everything', he stated. 'I know you will ask what happened, but I do not have an answer. We did many good things, scored beautiful goals, but then in one moment it was 5-4. At that point, it was just a fight for survival'.

The victory gives Man City 28 points, narrowing the gap to two points behind leaders Arsenal, who play Brentford today. Guardiola understands that such defensive performances are unsustainable for a long season. 'Arsenal is very strong and consistent. I know what we must do', he asserted. 'The season is long, and I have enough experience for the long haul'.

One of Man City's most significant achievements in this match was Erling Haaland reaching the record for the fastest 100 goals in Premier League history. The Norwegian striker achieved this milestone in 111 matches, surpassing the previous record of 124 matches set by Alan Shearer, a legend of Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle, in the 1990s.

Guardiola praised Haaland, saying: 'If someone told me when I first arrived that Haaland would score 100 goals in 111 matches, I would immediately ask: In this league? But Haaland did it. His numbers are crazy'.

The Spanish coach also emphasized that the City squad is in a transitional phase with several new players, including Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly, Nico Gonzalez, and Rayan Cherki. He suggested that changing 7-8 players over two transfer windows requires time for the team to develop. 'Haaland could have scored three goals today. The entire team is still improving. This match will be a lesson', Guardiola concluded.

Haaland celebrates his opening goal for Man City. *Photo: Man City*

Beyond yesterday's match, Haaland has broken many Premier League records since joining Man City in 2022. One such achievement is scoring 36 goals in the 2022-2023 season, the highest single-season tally, surpassing Mohammed Salah's record of 32 goals in a 38-match season.

The Norwegian striker stated: 'Scoring 100 goals for Man City in the Premier League is something I wanted to do, but achieving it so quickly was unexpected. This will be a match I remember for a lifetime'.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Mancity.com)