Mateo Kovacic emerged as the unlikely hero for Manchester City, scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, helping the team bounce back after two consecutive Premier League draws.
With the essential defensive midfielder Rodri out for the season due to a knee injury, manager Pep Guardiola turned to Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan to form a double pivot, a setup that proved crucial in controlling the match.
Dominating Possession
Throughout the game, City dominated possession, with Kovacic and Gundogan operating predominantly in Fulham’s half, showcasing their attacking prowess. Kovacic’s performance was particularly remarkable, as he is not traditionally known for his goal-scoring ability.
However, he broke through with a brace that helped secure the much-needed three points. His first goal came from a deflected shot after a half-cleared corner, while the second was a beautifully executed strike from the edge of the area, displaying his newfound confidence in the attacking third.
Guardiola's Praise for Kovacic
Guardiola lauded Kovacic's performance, joking that he had "copied and pasted" Rodri's goal-scoring form. The manager emphasised the importance of Kovacic's contributions, stating that his positioning allowed him to exploit defensive gaps left by Fulham.
Guardiola told BBC MOTD: "He is not a top goalscorer but he maybe saw how many goals Rodri has scored in that position and did copy and paste. He scored two fantastic goals."
The goals marked a significant achievement for Kovacic, bringing his total to three for the season and representing his best league campaign since his time at Inter Milan in 2014-15. This was only the second instance in his career where he scored more than once in a single game, the first being a hat-trick in a Europa League match against Stjarnan.
Key Contributions in Midfield
In addition to his goal-scoring, Kovacic has made significant contributions in midfield, ranking among the top players in successful passes, particularly in the opposition's half.
Despite being compared to Rodri, who is widely regarded as one of the best in his position and ranks high in our most valuable Spanish midfielders piece, Kovacic has shown adaptability in taking on the responsibilities typically associated with his teammate. He noted the importance of covering for Rodri and expressed a willingness to adapt to his role.
Defensive Concerns for City
While Kovacic's contributions were instrumental in the victory, City’s defensive performance raised concerns. They allowed Fulham numerous chances, with Adama Traore notably missing three clear opportunities to score, two of which were saved by goalkeeper Ederson.
Guardiola praised Traore’s ability but acknowledged the defensive lapses that allowed Fulham to remain competitive in the match. City’s expected goals conceded (xG) stood at 2.4, reflecting the defensive vulnerabilities that the team needs to address, especially in Rodri's absence.
Looking Ahead
As the match concluded, Kovacic’s two goals stood out as vital contributions, not only for the win but for boosting the team's morale as they continue to navigate the challenges posed by key injuries.
With tougher fixtures on the horizon, including matches against top teams, Manchester City will need to rely on Kovacic’s growing confidence and address their defensive shortcomings to maintain their title ambitions.
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