Manchester City secured a dramatic 5-4 victory against Fulham in a match filled with high-scoring excitement and defensive vulnerabilities. City led 5-1 early in the second half after Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal, becoming the fastest player to reach this milestone in just 111 appearances, surpassing Alan Shearer's record of 124 games. Haaland also contributed two assists, highlighting his offensive dominance this season. Despite the offensive success, City's defense was notably fragile. They conceded four goals in this game and have now allowed 10 goals in their last four matches across all competitions, raising concerns about their defensive solidity. Guardiola acknowledged the defensive issues but expressed hope that recent struggles could serve as a learning opportunity for future improvement. He emphasized that their attacking display was positive but stressed the importance of character and resilience in defense. The match was historically significant, being Fulham's first top-flight game with nine or more goals since 1968, and one of only six Premier League matches under Guardiola with at least nine goals scored. However, the defensive lapses overshadowed the entertainment, with former players and analysts criticizing City’s backline. City's recent defensive frailty contrasts sharply with Arsenal's solid defensive record, as Arsenal have conceded only seven goals in 13 games, while City have conceded 16 in 14 games. This disparity highlights a potential weakness in City’s title challenge. Haaland, who is also the Premier League's top scorer with 15 goals this season, downplayed the significance of his record but acknowledged the pressure to continue delivering. He emphasized that scoring is his primary job and that he aims to help the team win. Guardiola remains optimistic, believing that focusing on correcting defensive errors can lead to better performances. The victory keeps City close to the league leaders, although their defensive issues remain a concern as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.