Manchester City edge closer to title after whipping Fulham
Josko Gvardiol netted twice as Manchester City intensified the pressure on Arsenal in the title chase, defeating Fulham to surge two points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
In a match they controlled from start to finish, the visitors drew first blood early on as defender Gvardiol clinically finished following a well-crafted move that dissected the Fulham defense.
Phil Foden extended his impressive season form with a second goal after halftime, slotting home a first-time effort past Bernd Leno.
Despite an opportunity for Erling Haaland to notch a third midway through the second half, the Premier League’s leading scorer inexplicably skied his shot over the bar when in on goal.
Nevertheless, Manchester City didn’t have to wait long for another goal as Gvardiol poked in from close range to seal Fulham’s fate.
Issa Diop received a second yellow card in injury time for bringing down Julain Alvarez inside the box, leading to a penalty that was duly converted by the Manchester City substitute.
The outcome means the Gunners travel to Manchester United on Sunday needing a victory to keep their hopes alive in the title race until the final day of the season.
Manchester City will face Tottenham on Tuesday, and if Arsenal fail to secure a positive result at Old Trafford, a win would secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title for Guardiola’s side.
City showing no sign of nerves at crucial time
Last season, Arsenal’s falter in the pivotal moments of the title race made Manchester City’s triumph relatively straightforward.
However, this time around, Mikel Arteta’s side has posed a stiffer challenge, prompting Guardiola to emphasize earlier this week that there’s no room for error in their quest for another league crown.
Facing a Fulham team with little at stake, and with a remarkable record of 15 consecutive wins against them, a stumble seemed improbable at Craven Cottage.
As expected, Manchester City dominated proceedings throughout, securing their seventh consecutive Premier League victory and scoring four goals or more in six of those triumphs.
Although Arsenal remains firmly in contention for the title, a victory against Manchester United on Sunday would apply pressure on City. Nevertheless, the ease with which Guardiola’s side secured this win suggests they are exhibiting remarkable composure in crucial moments.
Fulham winding down the season
Fulham aimed to secure a victory to sustain hopes of matching their top-10 finish from last season, but facing a Manchester City side vying for the title, this task was always going to be formidable.
The hosts initiated with vigor, keeping Manchester City at bay for the initial minutes. However, Gvardiol’s goal swiftly tilted the balance in favor of the visitors, establishing their dominance.
In the second half, Fulham briefly unsettled City’s defense, with Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected flick posing a threat, but they otherwise lacked potency.
While relegation was never a concern, it marked a disappointing conclusion to the season for Marco Silva’s squad, who managed only one victory in their last eight Premier League matches.
Player of the Match: J. Gvardiol