Manchester City reclaimed the Premier League’s leading position and treaded closer to winning the championship with a dominant 4-0 triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage. This victory, which came courtesy of a dual goal from Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden’s goal at the 59th minute, and a final-minute penalty goal by Julian Alvarez, propelled City two points ahead of their rivals, Arsenal, just before they go against Manchester United on Sunday. A potential Arsenal misstep at Old Trafford could give City the opportunity to cement their title during their Tuesday game against Tottenham.
Pep Guardiola’s squad, which could become the first-ever team to secure four consecutive Premier League championships, demonstrated their mastery in a match in West London. City initially controlled the game with possession, then made their strike in the 13th minute. Gvardiol, a left-back, executed an impressive play with Kevin De Bruyne, driving down the wing, before shifting in and coolly striking past Bernd Leno into the bottom left corner with his right foot.
Guardiola’s starting lineup was strategically constructed for height, with four customary centre-backs spread across the back four. The tall players were largely responsible for their dominance in the second half of the game. Their powerful performance kept Fulham on the backfoot, preventing them from gaining momentum. Fulham’s troubles were compounded when Nathan Ake, due to a suspected injury, was replaced by Kyle Walker who managed to keep veteran Willian in check, ensuring the hosts were unable to provide support to their key striker, Rodrigo Muniz.
City missed an opportunity to extend their lead when a corner was played short and a De Bruyne cross found Manuel Akanji unmarked at the back post. His shot, however, soared over the goal and ended in the spectator stands. In a bid to turn the game around, Marco Silva introduced the speed of Adama Traore, replacing a lacklustre Willian. Despire Traore’s exciting runs and a well-created chance, City held firm with a save from Ederson keeping out a glancing shot from Muniz.
City, known for their powerful sense of strategy, bided their time in defence, eventually surging forwards to secure their second goal. Silva masterfully dodged Antonee Robinson with an exquisite first touch that created an opening, then went central, passing the ball succinctly to Foden who promptly fired it into the left corner for his season’s 25th goal achievement. Silva’s cross to the back post was slightly interfered with by Gvardiol, but a rare blooper from Leno saw the ball accidentally cross the line, taking the score to 3-0. The game saw an added blow when Issa Diop received his second yellow card for a rough tackle in the penalty area, a mistake capitalised on by substitute player Alvarez, who scored from 12 yards to clinch the team’s commanding away win.