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Mateo Kovacic’s first-ever Premier League double led Manchester City to a 3-2 comeback victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, maintaining their chase of league leaders Liverpool.
Fulham took an early lead in the 26th minute when Raul Jimenez’s clever backheel set up Andreas Pereira for a clinical volley past Ederson.
Fulham continued to threaten, with Adama Traore nearly doubling their advantage, only to miss from close range.
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City soon capitalised on that reprieve. In the 32nd minute, Kovacic’s deflected shot off Joachim Andersen leveled the match after a corner.
Fulham, despite their positive start, found themselves trailing just after the break when Kovacic calmly finished from Bernardo Silva’s assist to make it 2-1.
The home side took control of the game, but Fulham remained dangerous on the counter, with Traore causing problems once more, only to be denied again by Ederson.
City’s decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Jeremy Doku, cutting inside from the wing, blasted a powerful shot past Bernd Leno to extend their lead to 3-1.
Fulham responded late as Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected effort found the net, but City held on to secure the win and remain within touching distance of Liverpool.
At the Emirates, Arsenal also came from behind to secure a 3-1 win against Southampton. Cameron Archer shocked the Gunners in the 55th minute, finishing into the bottom corner after a long pass from Mateus Fernandes.
However, Arsenal responded quickly, with Kai Havertz equalizing just three minutes later, smashing a shot past his former Chelsea teammate Aaron Ramsdale.
Bukayo Saka’s precise cross then found Gabriel Martinelli, who made no mistake to complete the turnaround.
In other action, Diogo Jota’s early goal was enough to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Jota struck after just nine minutes, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Palace came close to an equalizer, but Eddie Nketiah’s effort was ruled offside.
Despite late pressure, Liverpool’s defense held firm, securing their sixth win in seven matches to stay four points clear of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remained winless, sitting in 18th place.
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