In the Premier League, Manchester City narrowly defeated Fulham 5-4, closing the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points. Josep Guardiola’s side had a comfortable 5-1 lead in the second half, but a second-half implosion left them clinging on for dear life and almost escaping the game.
Erling Haaland’s 100th Premier League goal gave the Blues an early lead, before further goals from Tijani Lajnders and Phil Foden extended their lead. Emile Smith-Rowe pulled one back before half-time, but after the break City scored two quick goals and it looked like the game was over. However, Fulham fought back and City struggled to respond, barely holding on to secure the all-important three points. Here are the player ratings…
Donnarumma: We made some decent saves and couldn’t do anything about the shot that beat him, but I won’t be happy with conceding four goals. 6.
Nunes: Bombing from the right flank and keen to join Foden and Silva in the attack. 5.
Dias: As City wobbled in the closing stages, Fulham players were repeatedly caught playing onside and trying to score one of the goals. 6.
Gvardiol: We showed some lack of effort at times in the second half, encouraging the home team and fans, but we were caught out of position. 5.
O’Reilly: Impressive going forward, but was ineffective defensively a few times when needed. 5.
Gonzalez: He got into the right position to protect the defense and was substituted before anything could happen. 7.
Silva: His failure to mark Chukwueze for Fulham’s third goal angered Dias and appeared to cause him to lose control of the game. 6.
Foden: Another great player, leading on the pitch and scoring two great goals. 8.
Lijnders: Scored a great goal and was a big part of City’s fourth goal, but looked tired as Fulham were doing well. 7.
Doc: Great assist for the first goal, a stroke of luck for the fifth goal, and was substituted before Fulham’s comeback could really begin. 8.
Haaland: Record-setting goal and two assists as he battled with the Fulham defense throughout the game, but could have easily added a few more goals if he returned to form. 8.
substitute
Savinho (Doc, 64) provided a beautiful cross for Haaland but needed to provide more support to O’Reilly. 5.
Stones (Gonzalez, 64 years old) was brought on to stabilize the game, but struggled. 5.
Cherki (vs. Lijnders, 82) Maintained good possession. 6.
Ake (Foden, 97 years old) No time to make an impact.
Not used: Trafford, Ait Nouri, Kusanov, Lewis.
