Manchester City intensified the Premier League title race with a ruthless first-half display against Fulham, cutting the gap to leaders Arsenal to just three points.
With the Gunners preparing for a tricky trip to Brentford on Thursday, City ensured the pressure remains firmly on the league leaders. Pep Guardiola’s side, guided by manager Pep Guardiola, followed up their dramatic late comeback at Liverpool with a far more controlled and dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium.
The damage was done in a devastating 15-minute spell before the break. Fulham, who have now suffered three straight defeats, simply could not cope with City’s intensity and sharp movement.
The breakthrough came after a costly mistake from visiting midfielder Sander Berge. His attempted clearing header fell kindly for Antoine Semenyo, who reacted quickest to poke home from close range. It marked his fifth goal in eight games since his January arrival, underlining his growing importance to the champions.
Semenyo soon turned from scorer to creator. Just six minutes later, he slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Nico O’Reilly. The youngster kept his composure, lifting a neat finish over the advancing Bernd Leno to double the advantage.
City were not finished. Before halftime, Phil Foden picked out a clever run from Erling Haaland, and the striker did the rest, drilling a precise shot low into the corner. It was a clinical end to a flowing move and effectively sealed the three points before the interval.
Fulham manager Marco Silva will reflect on a key moment when his side might have shifted the momentum. At 1-0 down, midfielder Harry Wilson fired a low effort toward goal, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to produce a sharp save and preserve City’s lead.
From that point, the home side remained in control, managing the game comfortably in the second half.
As the title race tightens, City’s message was clear: they are not easing off. With Arsenal now glancing over their shoulders, the pressure at the top of the table continues to mount.
