It is anticipated that Rodri's season-long absence owing to a catastrophic knee injury will significantly hurt City's prospects of winning the title for a fifth time in a row. However, Mateo Kovacic, the Spaniard's replacement, struck twice to give the champions a lead at the Etihad. The visitors led due to a goal from Andreas Pereira after Raul Jimenez's spectacular backheel assist.
The team hadn't lost since the season's first night against Manchester United. After a swift deflection from Kovacic's shot, City pulled up 2-1 less than two minutes into the second half with a more powerful goal. Then, from outside the box, Jeremy Doku crashed into the top corner to give City the much-needed two-goal lead. In the 88th minute, Rodrigo Muniz gave Fulham hope, but City held on to defeat the Cottagers for a record 17 straight victories.