‘It’s a good feeling to score two goals but not a good feeling to lose: Chukwueze reflects on Fulham’s fightback

Samuel Chukwueze reflected on a dramatic night at Craven Cottage as Fulham fell 5-4 to Manchester City in a pulsating contest.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, the forward, who scored his first two goals in English football, praised the resilience and character his team showed in mounting a spirited second-half fightback.

‘It was a crazy game today,’ Chukwueze admitted afterwards. ‘We conceded goals we shouldn’t have conceded, but I liked the spirit of the team for the comeback. The chances we created in the second half were almost there.

‘It was a difficult one to take because we wanted three wins in a row and it didn’t happen, but we’ll keep our heads up. We fought until the last minute and on Sunday against Crystal Palace we’re going to give everything for the fans.’

The Nigeria international highlighted belief as the driving force behind Fulham’s late surge, insisting confidence remains high within the squad.

‘For me, I always believe. If we don’t believe, we won’t score. Everybody believed that we could come back – the team, the coach and the fans. The fans were amazing, supportive from 5-1 to 5-4. We gave everything and I think we need to lift our heads up and say we fought well. We have to move on.’

Chukwueze admitted that his personal milestone meant little without a result to match.

‘For me, it’s a good feeling to score two goals but not a good feeling to lose. If I had scored my two goals and we won, it would have meant a lot to me – but for now, it doesn’t mean a lot.’

He also spoke about his growing confidence and the support he has received from both the coaching staff and his teammates.

‘I think I’m finding myself. The coach believes in me. That’s the most important thing – a coach that believes in you, pushes you, and the fans. My teammates push me a lot, so I have to give them credit and the coach credit as well.’

In his 45 minutes on the pitch, Chukwueze registered 38 touches, seven passes into the final third, three touches in the opposition box, won possession twice, came out on top in two duels, hit the target with two of his four shots, and scored twice.