Given Rodri’s season-long absence due to a serious knee injury, Manchester City’s chances of winning the title for a fifth straight year are anticipated to be severely harmed.At the Etihad, however, it was Mateo Kovacic, the Spaniard’s deputy, who scored twice to give the champions the lead.
Mateo Kovacic (left) celebrates with Phil Foden after scoring Manchester City’s second (Martin Rickett/PA)
The goal by Andreas Pereira, which came from an incredible Raul Jimenez backheel assist, gave the visitors their first lead since the opening night of the season at Manchester United.
Fulham’s Brazilian midfielder #18 Andreas Pereira (L) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on October 5, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
After a swift deflection from Kovacic’s shot, City pulled ahead 2-1 less than two minutes into the second half with a more powerful goal.
And with that, City had the much-needed two-goal lead when Jeremy Doku crashed into the top corner from outside the box.On the 88th minute, Rodrigo Muniz gave Fulham hope, but City held on to win against the Cottagers for the 17th time in a row.