Mateo Kovacic Steps Up as City Ends Draw Streak

Mateo Kovacic found his scoring touch to help Manchester City return to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, as manager Pep Guardiola humorously remarked that it was a “copy and paste” of Rodri’s contributions. With City’s key midfielder Rodri out for the season due to injury, Kovacic stepped up alongside Ilkay Gundogan in a double pivot.

Though not known for his goal-scoring, Kovacic netted twice once from a deflected corner and another with a clean strike helping City end a run of two league draws. Kovacic’s two goals take his season tally to three, his best since 2014-15 at Inter Milan. After the match, Guardiola emphasized how crucial Kovacic is becoming in offensive play, noting that his positioning often leaves him unmarked, providing goal-scoring opportunities.

Defensively, City struggled, particularly against Fulham’s Adama Traore, who missed three clear chances. Despite the defensive lapses, Guardiola praised Traore’s physicality, calling him “unstoppable.” Fulham’s expected goals (xG) of 2.4 outperformed City’s 1.55, highlighting City’s vulnerability at the back without Rodri. Although Kovacic has adapted well to his more attacking role, City still have defensive issues to address.

With tougher matches ahead, Guardiola will need to find solutions for his side’s defensive frailties while continuing to rely on Mateo Kovacic’s growing influence.