Erling Haaland stepped up just when Manchester City needed him most as he scored a stoppage time winner to snatch top spot in the Premier League against Fulham.
The Norwegian - an injury doubt before the game - was introduced as a late substitute and looked to be on track for a hugely frustrating evening. With City granted a late penalty, there was only one man to claim the responsibility and he just squeezed his shot home to secure a huge three points.
Julian Alvarez had given Pep Guardiola 's men the lead in the early stages with an unerring finish only for former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira to equalise from the penalty spot. Haaland eventually secured the role as matchwinner as he too converted from the penalty spot even despite having an earlier goal ruled out by VAR. As a result, City continue their 100% record at the Etihad Stadium this season.
Despite the drama set to come, City looked as though they were in for a comfortable afternoon initially. From the off, they dominated the ball and the chances. Alvarez had the best chance of the opening stages following a spell of penalty box pinball but could only nod wide.
Kevin De Bruyne then drew the best out of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a booming shot from distance - the German just managing to palm the Belgian's spectacular effort away.
City did eventually find their breakthrough via their Argentine starlet. Following his goal against Sevilla in midweek, Alvarez followed that up by opening the scoring after just 17 minutes. The 22-year-old managed to get on the end of Ilkay Gundogan ’s perfect through ball before thumping home off of the crossbar.
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John Stones thought he had given City a two-goal lead as he tapped home, only to see the linesman’s flag cut his celebrations short. That is where City's seemingly straight-forward cruise was halted.
Harry Wilson was released in behind the City defence and was barged over by Joao Cancelo. The referee showed little hesitation over his decision as he awarded Fulham a penalty and handed the Portuguese defender his marching orders. Former Red Devil Pereira was the man to step up and fired past Ederson for his second goal of the campaign.
Guardiola elected not to call upon Haaland until deep into the second half but once he was introduced, the Norwegian immediately gave his side a different dynamic. On three occasions he went close to snatching the lead back but couldn't quite find the net.
It looked as though he had stolen a crucial victory for the hosts as he nodded home a delicious cross from De Bruyne but VAR intervened and almost deprived him of a dream return to the City side.
Haaland would eventually snatch the headlines though as a challenge from Antonee Robinson on De Bruyne saw another penalty awarded. All eyes went to Haaland and he would not disappoint as he just squeezed his effort underneath Leno for his 18th Premier League strike of the campaign.
Victory sees City leapfrog Arsenal in top spot - a position they will hope to cling on to heading into the World Cup.
