Manchester City followed their exciting win at Anfield with a calm and professional 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium. The result increased the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland gave City a strong win in the first half. The team showed sharp attacking quality and good organisation.
Fulham played better after half-time and controlled parts of the second half, but City defended well and kept a clean sheet. The win reduced the gap at the top of the table to three points.
City came into the match after a hard 2-1 win over Liverpool. Arsenal will play Brentford on Thursday night, so City had the chance to close the gap.
Pep Guardiola made two changes from the team that played at Anfield. Ruben Dias and Phil Foden replaced Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush.
Semenyo played in attack with Haaland, while Rodri and O’Reilly started in deeper midfield roles.
John Stones also returned to the matchday squad for the first time since playing as a substitute earlier in the season.
Semenyo gave City the lead in the 24th minute. Sander Berge accidentally knocked down a cross from Nunes inside the box and the ball fell to Semenyo, who finished well. It was his fourth goal against Fulham and City led 1-0.
City continued to attack with confidence. Haaland set up Semenyo, whose run ended with a pass to O’Reilly inside the box. The young midfielder stayed calm and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Leno to make it 2-0.
In the 39th minute Haaland scored the third goal. Good play between Aït-Nouri and Foden created space for the striker at the edge of the box, and he finished into the bottom corner with his first real chance. City led 3-0 at half-time.
Man City Player ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6
Made one good save from Harry Wilson in the first half and another from Rodrigo Muniz after the break. He was not tested often and looked confident.
Matheus Nunes – 6.5
Full of energy on the right side and always ready to support attacks. His cross led to the first goal. He also worked hard in defence and won the ball back several times.
Ruben Dias – 6.5
In his first start since injury, he looked calm and strong. He organised the defence well and won many of his duels.
Marc Guéhi – 7
Another solid performance. He defended with confidence and has brought stability to the back line.
Rayan Aït-Nouri – 6.5
Comfortable on the ball and often joined the attack. His display showed why Guardiola trusts him.
Rodri – 6.5
Not at his very best but showed good quality, especially with long passes and recoveries. His form is improving.
Nico O’Reilly – 8
The young player looked at home in midfield. His calm finish for the second goal showed great skill and intelligence. Performances like this could earn him international recognition.
Bernardo Silva – 6.5
Controlled the tempo of the game apart from one challenge that brought a booking.
Antoine Semenyo – 8.5
The best player on the pitch. He took his goal well and also created the second goal for O’Reilly with an unselfish pass.
Phil Foden – 6.5
Missed a couple of chances but provided the assist for Haaland with a clever pass.
Erling Haaland – 7.5
Scored with his first real chance and helped to create the second goal. He was taken off at half-time, possibly as a precaution.
SUBSTITUTES
Omar Marmoush – 6
Did well on the left side after coming on.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5
Added energy to midfield when Fulham were enjoying their best spell.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 6
Replaced Nunes and played with maturity at right-back.
Rayan Cherki – 6
Came on for Foden and tried to find spaces between the lines.
Nico Gonzalez – 6
Replaced Rodri to bring fresh legs and control in midfield.
