Nobody expected much from Fulham coming into the game against Man City, as the champions looked to extend their unbeaten run at home.
Fulham shocked the home team, opening the scoring on the counter with Andreas Pereira finishing a Raul Jimenez flick.
City needed a Mateo Kovacic brace and a stunning strike from Jeremy Doku to win the game.
A late goal from Rodrigo Muniz was nothing but a consolation from a game that could have been so much more.
So, what did we learn from Fulham’s gutsy performance against the champions?
Marco Silva shows a plan B
Marco Silva has used the same system in every game so far this season, only changing to a back five to see out the last minutes of a game.
Today, he completely changed his system, which gave Fulham an incredible platform to play from. His side were unlucky to leave Manchester with nothing.
The back five used was solid in defence, giving City limited chances to attack and no space to drive through the middle.
In the attack, the plan was to either play Adama Traore in behind the high City line or break at speed, with numbers always having an option to receive the ball.
This game showed just how impressive Silva is tactically as he coached an almost perfect game against the champions.
Fulham will cause everyone problems
The side Fulham have created this season is definitely enough to help them challenge for a European place. The team have only lost twice this season, with both narrow losses coming in Manchester.
The introduction of Joachim Andersen to the back line has made it more secure than ever before under Silva, who only conceded eight in seven.
The threat of the attack is enough to worry any side in the division, as Fulham's options are frightening. With the pace of Traore, the technical ability of Emile Smith Rowe, or the creativity of Andreas Pereira, these options give the Cottagers the tools to break down any defence.
With the adaptability shown today, Fulham can play in a different system when they need to away from home against stronger opposition. It also shows that their squad is willing to dig in to get the job done.
Adama Traore is chaos
Traore has had an outstanding start to the season for Fulham. His pace and power make him a constant threat to the opposition's defence.
Against City, he showed exactly why he has his reputation of having limited end product, with his three golden opportunities failing to find the back of the net.
Despite missing the chances that could have won the game, he was still incredible today. He created those chances himself, his pure pace putting him through on goal.
His erratic nature makes him such a threat, and Fulham will need that throughout the season, as his pace will always give every defence nightmares.
Fulham’s striker options impress
Coming into the season, it looked clear that Rodrigo Muniz would lead the line for Fulham after his impressive form at the end of last season.
Muniz struggled at the start of the season, unable to do the most important thing. Put the ball in the net.
This led to Raul Jimenez getting his chance, and he took it like a seasoned pro. The Mexican scored three in three, leading Fulham to their best league start in twenty years.
Against Man City both strikers showed their importance to the team, with Jimenez single-handedly creating the game's opening goal with an inventive back heel.
Muniz came on to try and get something out of the game, and finally, he scored his first goal of the season after he controlled Reiss Nelson’s cross extremely well and finished confidently.
This gives Silva a nice problem, as both of his strikers seem to be in good form, giving the manager two strong options to lead the line.
Explore more stats, standings and news on VAVEL Data: Manchester City
