Manchester City once again survived a scare to pick up a Premier League victory on Saturday, coming from behind to beat Fulham 3-2.
Fulham were as dangerous and difficult to play against as advertised as they caught Manchester City on the break time and again in an entertaining game.
The Cottagers took the lead when Andreas Pereira turned in Raul Jimenez’s excellent back heel and if Adama Traore could finish they would have had an even healthier lead.
Yet, Ederson kept him at bay and Pep Guardiola’s side rallied thanks to a brace from Mateo Kovacic.
City had to dig in deep to claim the three points as Fulham pushed for a leveller but a Jeremy Doku screamer put them two goals up.
There was another twist in the tale as Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back but City held on for the win in a far from vintage performance.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Ederson – 9
There’s nothing the Brazilian could have done with either goal but he was excellent in getting out and denying Traore when the winger should have scored on three separate one-on-one occasions. He was quick off his line and spot on with his positioning. City would have lost without him.
Rico Lewis – 6
Given a hard time by the strong and rapid Traore and caught in transitions several times, at least one of which should have led to a goal. But it’s an accepted hazard when he’s so good on the ball and he showed that with a couple of great carries up the field.
Manuel Akanji – 5
Particularly caught out by Jimenez’s sublime flick as Pereira ghosted past him to poke home and also struggled against the pace of Fulham. Taken off just after the hour mark.
Ruben Dias – 6
Was completely taken out of the game by Jimenez’s flick but otherwise was fairly solid despite repeatedly having to play on the turn due to Fulham’s counters.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Fulham should have scored when they got down his side and they eventually did late in the game but it was still a very good performance from Josko Gvardiol, who was cool and composed at the back and made one crucial block late on.
He was really aggressive in winning the ball high up the pitch and made right decisions in possession.
Mateo Kovacic – 8
Kovacic dragged City level with an emphatic finish and then fired them in front with a beautifully taken goal. The Croatian was really good in possession, operating nicely in tight spaces and ticking possession over, as well.
However, City continue to be extremely vulnerable on the counter with him in the deeper role and Rodri remains a massive miss.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Missed a couple of good chances before Fulham took the lead but was tidy, if quiet, on the ball.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Bernardo Silva was lively on the right, put some nice crosses into the area and teed up Kovacic for his second, but perhaps he could have done better to try and prevent some Fulham counterattacks given a lot came down his flank.
Phil Foden – 6
Phil Foden was given a golden chance in his desired central position but didn’t really take it as his slow start continued. There were a couple of efforts on goal but he wasn’t as influential as he will need to be if he’s taking over from Kevin De Bruyne.
Ironically, the best thing he did in the game with his role in the second goal, came from the left flank.
Jack Grealish – 6
A poor pass nearly saw Fulham double their lead quickly and Jack Grealish was hardly involved in the first half, with City’s attacks mostly coming down the right. When he did get on the ball, though, he again looked to take on opposing full-backs and get the ball in the area. Was involved in the goal but not as good as he has been recently.
Erling Haaland – 5
An anonymous game, hardly saw any of the ball and got no sights on goal.
Substitutes
Kyle Walker – 6
Brought on for his 400th appearance to try and fight against the speed of Fulham’s attacks but was left in the dust by Traore, who thankfully couldn’t score once again.
Jeremy Doku – 7
Immediately involved with some direct running at defenders and nice through balls and then scored a fantastic rocket for the winner.
John Stones – 5
Brought on to help see the game out but lost Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham’s second.
Matheus Nunes – N/A
Introduced in the final minute.
