Manchester City continued their impressive run in the league, closing the gap to Arsenal to just three points following their dominant performances this week. Having triumphed over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, City followed it up with a convincing victory against Fulham, marking the 20th consecutive win against this opponent.
The highlight of the match was Erling Haaland’s goal in the 39th minute, which was notable as it was his first from open play in nine games. However, his substitution at halftime raised concerns, as he expressed feelings of discomfort. Manager Pep Guardiola explained that it was a precautionary measure given their solid 3-0 lead and a busy schedule ahead. “Niggles,” Guardiola remarked, emphasizing the importance of player fatigue management.
This latest clean sheet improved City’s goal difference to +30, just two behind Arsenal, a statistic that could play a crucial role in the title race as the season progresses. Despite the encouraging result, Guardiola remained focused on continuous improvement, stressing the need for consistency over the full 90 minutes. “It’s more important how we can be more consistent over 90 minutes. But a really good performance, one of the best,” he noted.
The last time Fulham managed to defeat City was back in April 2009, a statistic that underscores City’s dominance in this matchup, having scored 53 goals to Fulham’s 21 in the subsequent encounters.
Phil Foden, who returned to the starting lineup, was instrumental in the game, contributing a volley and several attempts on goal. The first goal came from Antoine Semenyo, who capitalized on a pass from Rodri to put City ahead. The momentum continued as City pressed hard, leading to further goals from O’Reilly and Haaland.
Despite moments of promise from Fulham, including a close chance from Emile Smith Rowe, they struggled to respond effectively to City’s attacking prowess. Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, stating they were far from their potential in such a pivotal match.
As the season heads into its final stages, City remains well-positioned under Guardiola’s guidance, demonstrating both skill and tactical awareness. With a total of 12 games remaining, they are certainly a formidable contender in the title race, and the spirit within the team is optimistic as they aim for continued success.