On Saturday, Joao Cancelo was sent off, and the Norwegian striker scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time after making a comeback from injury. On Saturday, Erling Haaland came to the rescue once more as he scored the game-winning goal for 10-man Manchester City against Fulham in the 95th minute. Before Haaland scored the 18th Premier League goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time, Pep Guardiola’s team appeared to be on the verge of dropping points at home for the first time this season.
After being brought down by Antonee Robinson’s challenge, Kevin De Bruyne was awarded a penalty, and Haaland completed the task, setting off raucous celebrations on the City bench. The city had struggled with it until Haaland’s most recent valor. The hosts were poised for a simple victory after Julian Alvarez’s early goal, but Joao Cancelo’s first-half penalties and a red card put an end to that. The champions appeared to be holding out for a point after Andreas Pereira’s penalty-kick equalization, but Haaland scored twice to bring the champions back to the top of the standings.
The Performing Side:
Erling Haaland: When Haaland entered the field with 30 minutes remaining in the game, it seemed inevitable. Who better to depend upon when the city needed a goal? The only unexpected thing was that he didn’t score until the 95th minute. Before it, the Norwegian had managed to score, only to have it disallowed for a very slight offside. Deep into stoppage time, he was given another opportunity from the spot, which he dutifully took. Bernd Leno, though, may raise some eyebrows because he went in the right direction but the ball ended up going under his body.
Julian Alvarez: The summer acquisition gave City another goal at the Etihad Stadium to break the scoreless tie after his outstanding performance against Sevilla. The Argentine made a good attempt as well, spinning away from his defender before bursting through on goal. Although Alvarez still had to finish, he did it with ease, slamming the ball past Leno and into the goal off the underside of the crossbar. Before being substituted by Haaland in the second half, he had a few dangerous moments.
Andreas Pereira: The early challenge on Rodri that resulted in a well-deserved yellow card for the former Manchester United player showed that he was more than up for the task of facing the Sky Blues. Pereira was a lively presence throughout the game and converted a penalty kick to tie the score for Fulham by sending Ederson the wrong way. The in-form Brazilian has now recorded two goals and three assists in his previous six games.
The Losing Side:
Joao Cancelo: The game was in complete control for City before the full-early back’s dismissal for stumbling over Harry Wilson and giving up a penalty. Cancelo’s bold action immediately drew Fulham back into the game. Pep Guardiola also gave the full-back some advice as he exited the pitch, making it abundantly plain that the City coach was unimpressed with Cancelo’s effort. The game was ultimately won by City, and you have a suspicion that Cancelo was the most relieved spectator when Haaland’s penalty was successful.
Jack Grealish: The England international was present from the beginning but left after an hour due to a lackluster performance. Grealish didn’t seem willing to even try to take on his guy and gave virtually nothing on the left of the assault. Cancelo’s dismissal undoubtedly had an impact on City’s starting lineup, but the home team appeared to be a lot more dangerous opponent once Phil Foden and Haaland replaced Grealish and Alvarez in the second half.
Arsenal: In advance of the Gunners’ trip to Chelsea on Sunday, Haaland’s late winner has removed Arsenal off the top of the table. After City’s late winner, there will be a little bit more pressure on Mikel Arteta’s team to win the game at Stamford Bridge, which already appeared to be a difficult test for them. With just one more Premier League match before the World Cup break, a win would restore Arsenal’s lead; a loss would maintain them in second place.
The Defensive Side:
Ederson: Didn’t have much else to do but was sent the wrong way by Pereira for the penalty.
John Stones: Stones was strong in defense and did manage to score, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Manuel Akanji: Before halftime, Akanji should have scored but instead planted a header directly at Leno.
Nathan Ake: Cancelo’s push for a penalty resulted from poor defending, and he also had a couple more slip-ups. after being sent off, switched to left-back.
Joao Cancelo: City had all control until he was dismissed after 25 minutes for a shove on Wilson.
For more football match highlights and results, keep watching this space.
