The Premier League title race is heating up, and Manchester City showed exactly why they are the hunted once again. In a commanding performance at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s dismantled Fulham with a 3-0 victory, driven by a ruthless first-half display that effectively killed the contest before the break. Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Nico O’Reilly, and Erling Haaland secured the three points, moving the champions within touching distance of the leaders.
The win moves City within three points of league leaders Arsenal, placing immense pressure on the Gunners ahead of their midweek fixture. For Fulham, the defeat extends a torrid historical record against the Citizens, marking their 17th consecutive loss in this fixture—the longest losing streak one side has had against another in English league history.
First-Half Blitz Suffocates Fulham
The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute through Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian winger, who has been in sensational form, capitalized on a defensive mix-up after Matheus Nunes’ cross deflected off Sander Berge. Semenyo was quickest to react, sweeping the ball home from close range to settle any early nerves at the Etihad.
City doubled their lead just six minutes later. A swift counter-attack saw Erling Haaland release Semenyo, who turned provider by sliding a perfectly weighted pass to young midfielder Nico O’Reilly. The academy graduate showed veteran composure to lift a clever finish over Bernd Leno, marking his arrival as a key component of City’s midfield rotation this season.
The contest was arguably put to bed in the 39th minute. Phil Foden, returning to the starting XI, found Haaland on the edge of the box. The Norwegian marksman took one touch before drilling a powerful low strike into the bottom corner, ending his brief goal drought and securing a 3-0 lead before the interval.
Second-Half Game Management
With the points virtually secured, the second half was a more subdued affair. Pep Guardiola opted to manage his squad’s fitness, withdrawing Haaland at half-time for Omar Marmoush. Fulham showed signs of improvement, with substitute Kevin and youngster Josh King forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a pair of impressive saves late in the game, but the Cottagers lacked the “cutting edge” required to breach City’s defense.
The match also saw a speedy return to the Etihad for Oscar Bobb, who joined Fulham in the January window. However, the Norwegian was unable to inspire a comeback against his former employers. A late yellow card for Nico Gonzalez and a subsequent booking for Guardiola for dissent were the only blemishes on an otherwise perfect afternoon for the reigning champions.
Statistical Dominance and Standout Performers
The statistics told the story of City’s control. Even after being substituted in the 71st minute, Rodri finished the match with the most touches (100) and completed passes (86), dictating the tempo from the base of the midfield.
Antoine Semenyo was overwhelmingly voted Man of the Match by fans, recording a goal and an assist. His impact since joining the club has been transformative, providing the width and directness that Guardiola’s side occasionally lacked earlier in the campaign.
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