Mateo Kovacic celebrated his two goals by dedicating them to his unborn child after Manchester City's 3-2 win over Fulham. Kovacic scored on both sides of half-time, helping Pep Guardiola's team overturn a deficit and stay close to Premier League leaders Liverpool, trailing by just one point. His first goal, deflected in the 32nd minute, equalised the game, and his second from 20 yards put City ahead shortly after the break.
Kovacic's performance marked a personal milestone, as he reached three goals for the season, his highest in a single Premier League campaign. The significance was heightened by his wife's pregnancy. "It means a lot because my wife is pregnant, so it was great to get some goals for the little one," he said.
In Rodri's absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against Arsenal two weeks ago, Kovacic has taken on a central midfield role. "I am playing there in the middle at the moment and, of course, we need to cover for Rodri," Kovacic explained. He acknowledged Rodri's importance and expressed hope for his swift recovery.
The Croatian midfielder emphasised the team's adaptability and Guardiola's tactical flexibility. "For now, we have to adapt and, for sure, the manager has a lot of options, so we can rotate," he noted. Despite missing Rodri's presence on the field, Kovacic believes City can maintain their performance levels.
Kovacic reflected on City's resilience during the match against Fulham. "It is never easy to play in the Premier League and, today, we showed great character," he stated. The team initially dominated but conceded before quickly regaining control and securing victory against an in-form opponent.
He stressed that winning remains crucial regardless of who scores. "It doesn't matter who scores; the most important thing is getting three points," Kovacic remarked. The midfielder hopes City will continue their winning streak as they aim to challenge Liverpool for the top spot.
As Manchester City navigates through challenges like injuries and tough opponents, Kovacic's contributions are proving vital. His recent performances not only boost his confidence but also strengthen City's pursuit of success this season.