Guardiola relieved as Man City triumph over Fulham in intense 5-goal showdown

Guardiola described the match as intense and tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities. He noted that his team started strongly and generated numerous chances, but faced difficulties when the opponents switched to a defensive formation with five at the back. Guardiola acknowledged that managing this tactical shift was a risk, but ultimately felt satisfied with how his team handled the challenge and secured the victory.

"The two with Kovacic were good when they had five at the back because only the striker can defend him in that situation and that makes the transitions less dangerous. We used that weapon and Kova did really well.

On Jeremy Doku's winning goal, he said: "It was really, really good. We always talk about his ability to dribble but it is then about the final pass, that last action. I was diagonal to him   and the ball made an incredible curve effect. Really happy for him. The last game against Bratislava he was really good and today as well."

 "We have always had the ability to do it. Like Brentford, the rest of the game we were playing really well but sometimes it  happens.

"The first goal with the pass from Jimenez was not expected by anyone so you have to give the credit to the opponent. They had more good chances too but Ederson made some incredible saves."