Manchester City moved ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a dominant 4-0 win over Fulham, with Josko Guardiol scoring twice at Craven Cottage.
Pep Guardiola’s champions knew a win in Saturday’s early kick-off would increase the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their trip to Manchester United on Sunday, and they made no mistake.
Josko Guardiol scored in both halves to make it five goals in his last seven games across all competitions, while Player of the Season candidate Phil Foden netted his 25th goal of the campaign as City chipped away at Arsenal’s superior goal difference.
Julian Alvarez then added a late fourth from the penalty spot after Issa Diop received his second yellow card, and City know they can secure the title with two more wins over Tottenham and West Ham next week.
Fulham, meanwhile, remain 13th on 44 points, their winless run stretching to four games.
The hosts’ energetic start quickly faded as City struck from their first real attack on 13 minutes, Guardiol driving inside from the left to exchange passes with Kevin De Bruyne before out-jumping Issa Diop and finishing his finish into the bottom-left corner.
Marco Silva cut an animated figure as City smothered their hosts from then on, with Foden testing Bernd Leno from range.
The champions should have had a second early in the half when De Bruyne’s sublime cross found Manuel Akanji completely unmarked at the far post. However, the central defender rather sent an unpleasant volley with his head, which rolled over the crossbar.
Fulham improved very briefly after introducing Adam Traore on the stroke of half-time, but they were hit with a sucker just before the hour when Joao Palhinha’s tackle on Bernardo Silva sent the ball straight at Foden, who drilled a header onto his weaker right foot.
Erling Haaland completely missed his shot shortly after as De Bruyne lost, but Man City had a third goal in the 19th minute.
Silva curled a cross towards the far post where Josko Guardiol stretched to slot his shot under Leno, who then made a powerful save to keep out Jeremy Doku’s long-range effort.
But Fulham conceded a fourth deep stoppage time, with Diop’s ill-advised lunge on Julian Alvarez earning him a second booking and allowing the Argentine to tuck home from 12 yards.
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