Sat Oct 05 15:34:31 UTC 2024: ## Manchester City Edge Out Fulham in Thrilling 3-2 Win
**MANCHESTER, ENGLAND** – Mateo Kovacic starred with a brace as Manchester City narrowly defeated Fulham 3-2 in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
City, chasing leaders Liverpool, took control early on but found themselves trailing after Andreas Pereira gave Fulham the lead in the 26th minute. However, Kovacic equalised just six minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
The midfielder then put City ahead just after the break, firing home a thunderous shot from the edge of the box.
Jeremy Doku added a third for City in the 82nd minute with a stunning strike, before Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for the visitors late in the game.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Erling Haaland had a relatively quiet afternoon, while Adama Traore missed two golden opportunities.
The victory kept City in second place with 17 points, just one point behind Liverpool. Fulham, despite the defeat, remain in sixth place with 11 points.
Following the match, City fans displayed a banner urging Pep Guardiola to stay at the club, his contract expiring at the end of the season. The manager, however, remained tight-lipped about his future.
First Piper 