Manchester City exuded superiority at Craven Cottage, as they confidently battered their hosts Fulham.
The Cityzens were utterly dominant in London, with Josko Gvardiol scoring a brace, while Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez got a goal each.
Thirteen minutes into the affair, Gvardiol smashed a brilliant effort into the bottom-left corner, following an intricate passing move between him and Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester City suffered an injury blow in the 21st minute, with defender Nathan Ake battling with a muscular problem.
He was subsequently substituted for Kyle Walker, with the Cityzens continuing their show of dominance over Marco Silva’s side.
In the 27th minute, Kevin De Bruyne found Foden at the edge of the area, however, the latter’s effort was too close to Bernd Leno, and he did well to provide a big save for his side.
City Could Have Scored More Than The Lone Goal They Netted In The Opening Period
Manchester City could have moved further in front in the opening 45, as they were largely comfortable throughout.
They ended the first period with a slim 1-goal lead over Fulham but came out all guns blazing in the second duration.
Marco Silva made two quick introductions following the restart of action in the second half, taking off Bobby Reid for Tom Cairney, while Adama Traore entered the fray for Willian.
Bernd Leno was also called into action in the 53rd minute, and he was equal to the task posed to him, as he parried away an effort by Bernardo Silva.
Phil Foden Nets 17th League Goal Of The Campaign
Six minutes later, Foden increased City’s lead, with Silva doing much of the work, after beating his man swiftly in midfield.
Bernardo was afterward tackled heavily but he found Phil Foden in quick time, with the Englishman taking advantage of the opportunity by burying the ball into the bottom-left corner for his 17th goal of the campaign.
Fulham made an alteration in the 67th minute, with Armando Broja coming on for Rodrigo Muniz.
Four minutes later, Josko Gvardiol secured his brace of the encounter, and his 4th league goal for Manchester City.
Bernardo Silva was also the provider, as he clipped a fabulous cross towards the area, which found Gvardiol at the back post, with the Croatian lunging in to send it home for the Cityzens, beating a hapless Leno in goal for Fulham.
The home side made a quick change in the 74th minute, sending on Harry Wilson for Andreas Pereira, while Jeremy Doku also came on Kevin De Bruyne a minute later.
In the 78th minute, Fulham’s Issa Diop was the first player to get his name taken down into the referee’s book, for dragging Erling Haaland near the middle of the park.
Pep Guardiola made three changes 8 minutes before the culmination of the clash, bringing on Julian Alvarez, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis for Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic respectively.
Antonee Robinson at the 90th minute mark became the second player to be booked, for a foul on Rico Lewis.
Deep into 7 minutes of stoppage time added to the second half, Fulham’s Issa Diop was dismissed for a reckless tackle in the penalty area.
Josko Gvardiol Passes Up Opportunity To Make History In Fulham Vs Manchester City Clash
Josko Gvardiol had the opportunity to become the first defender to score a hat-trick in a Premier League game, however, he passed the chance to score over to Julian Alvarez, who won the spot-kick.
Alvarez stepped and converted the penalty with ease, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, with Manchester City ascending to the Premier League throne in a sublime manner.
Pending the outcome of Arsenal’s game against Manchester United on Sunday, May 12, 2024, Pep Guardiola’s side will remain top of the log with 85 points from 36 matches.
They are in pole position to win a 4th unprecedented Premier League title, and they have two games left to play this season, with Arsenal having just a game remaining after playing against the Red Devils.
Manchester City return to action on Tuesday, May 14, visiting North London to play Tottenham Hotspur in a Matchday 34 Premier League action.
Match Highlights Below
