MAN CITY 3-2 FULHAM: Doku’s Impact Leads City to Victory Against Tenacious Fulham
In a thrilling contest at the Etihad, Jeremy Doku emerged as the hero for Manchester City, scoring a pivotal goal off the bench that helped the champions edge past a spirited Fulham side that refused to back down.
Doku’s introduction, lasting just over half an hour, showcased a stark contrast to Jack Grealish, the player he replaced. With his electrifying pace and willingness to take risks, Doku was a constant threat, making his presence felt every time he touched the ball. His decisive strike—an audacious effort that swerved menacingly past the Fulham defense—ultimately proved to be the winner.
As the clock wound down, Fulham pressed hard for an equalizer, threatening to steal a point. But Doku’s moment of brilliance allowed City to breathe a sigh of relief. His goal came at a crucial juncture when the match hung in the balance, especially after Rodrigo Muniz had leveled the score.
City’s situation was so precarious that even Ederson found himself booked for time-wasting, a clear indication of the pressure they were under. Despite Mateo Kovacic’s two goals—both crucial in responding to Andreas Pereira’s opener—City appeared lackluster as a unit, relying heavily on Doku’s explosive entrance to secure the win.
For Pep Guardiola, having Doku at his disposal is a significant asset, especially against tired opponents. The 22-year-old Belgian could soon find himself vying for a more prominent role within the squad, especially considering Grealish’s current limitations on the pitch. While Grealish plays an essential part in City’s structure, his unpredictability seems to have waned, leading to moments where he appears more vibrant in an England shirt than in club colors.
Judging a player solely by statistics would be unfair, but Grealish’s numbers tell a concerning story: just four Premier League goals and two assists since last season. Against a formidable Fulham team, he wasn’t alone in struggling for impact, as many City players found it difficult to break through.
This match was a testament to City’s resilience, as they had to dig deep against a Fulham side that threatened to capitalize on their off-day. Had Adama Traore displayed more clinical finishing, the champions could have faced a different outcome, far from the expectations set by their previous title-winning campaigns.
Amidst the challenges, Bernardo Silva’s contributions stood out. He delivered a clever assist for Kovacic’s second goal, a reminder of why Guardiola has relied on him for so long. Although this performance wasn’t his best, Silva’s relentless work rate and dedication have made him an invaluable part of Guardiola’s plans. Rumors about his potential departure linger, but few players have served City with as much commitment as Silva, who has been integral to their success during the Guardiola era.
As speculation continues about the legacies of figures like Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne, Silva’s name should not be overlooked. Guardiola’s affectionate embrace for Silva after the match illustrated the mutual respect between the two, especially following a hard-fought win against a Fulham side that may feel aggrieved to leave without a point.
Under Marco Silva, Fulham has now faced City eleven times without a single win, and he might never find a better opportunity than this match to break that streak. But as champions do, City found a way to win, thanks in large part to Doku’s vital contribution.
