Pep Guardiola has issued a defiant warning to Premier League leaders Arsenal, insisting his Manchester City side will fight for the championship until the very end. The declaration came after a nerve-shredding 5-4 victory over Fulham, a match illuminated by Erling Haaland's historic 100th league goal.
Haaland's 'Insane' Record and a Craven Cottage Classic
The clash at Craven Cottage will be remembered as a Premier League classic, primarily for a staggering personal achievement. City's star striker Erling Haaland netted his 100th top-flight goal in just 111 appearances, shattering the previous record for the fastest century. Manager Pep Guardiola was left almost speechless by the Norwegian's relentless scoring.
"When Erling arrived, if you had told me he would score 100 goals in 111 games, I would say: 'Are you sure?'" Guardiola admitted. "The numbers are insane. Insane. Erling is one of the best, his numbers are incredible and what he has done is amazing."
Yet the milestone was almost overshadowed by a dramatic Fulham fightback. City, leading comfortably at 5-1, were given an "almighty scare" as the hosts scored three late goals to set up a frantic finale. The win, however, was crucial, moving the champions to within two points of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal at the summit.
Guardiola's Title Promise and Premier League Reality Check
Despite the late drama that he joked would cost him his hair, Guardiola used the occasion to send a clear message about the title race. He dismissed suggestions that the defensive collapse indicated vulnerability, framing it instead as the relentless nature of England's top division.
"Even when we won with 100 points, we had games where we were 3-0 up and went to 3-2. It's always like this. It's the Premier League," he explained, drawing on his vast experience. The City boss then directly addressed the challenge posed by their main rivals. "Arsenal are so strong and so solid. We have to put in our mindset that it will be difficult but at the same time the Premier League is so long."
Emphasising his team's pedigree, Guardiola pointed to their history of winning titles from behind. "I am the oldest manager in the Premier League and have enough experience to make a long run... We won six Premier Leagues, four or five when we were in January or February we were behind."
The Long Road Ahead and Silva's Pride
Looking beyond the immediate duel with Arsenal, Guardiola also highlighted the threat of an improving Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, insisting "many things will happen" in the long campaign. His formula for success remains consistent: "The team who wins the Premier League is the team who grow during the months and this is what we try to do."
Meanwhile, Fulham manager Marco Silva was left proud but frustrated after his team's heroic recovery fell just short. "What the players showed was impressive. The reaction was unbelievable. We deserved a fifth goal. Unfortunately we didn't get it," he stated.
The result sets up a tantalising continuation of the Premier League title race, with Guardiola's experienced City squad using Haaland's record-breaking firepower to lay down a marker to the current leaders.
