Julian Alvarez got Manchester City off to a perfect start after 17 minutes against Fulham with a brilliant finish across Bernd Leno's goal, with the hosts completely dominating proceedings early on at the Etihad.
But Fulham were quickly handed a lifeline after Joao Cancelo saw red for a foul on Harry Wilson inside the box, which gave former United midfielder Andreas Pereira the chance to level from 12 yards and restore balance to the game.
Despite bringing on Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland in the second half, City found it tough to make the breakthrough.
However the striker managed to grab a late, late winner for his side from the penalty spot, after Bernd Leno had appeared to save the shot, but it trickled through his grasp and City ultimately kept their 100 per cent record at home.