Manchester City moved to within three points of leaders Arsenal after a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham, giving life to the Premier League title race.
Manager Josep Guardiola, who has never lost to opponent number Marco Silva, admitted City rarely put in a perfect performance, but vowed to improve before the match. City responded by storming back to lead 3-0 before half-time.
Antoine Semenyo was given an easy lead, his fifth since joining from Bournemouth in January, and the hosts never looked back. Nico O’Reilly added another six minutes later, and Phil Foden teed up Erling Haaland, who was sent off at half-time in miserable Manchester rain, giving them a much better result than Fulham. It perfectly depicts Fulham’s gloomy image.
Erling Haaland celebrates 3-0 win against Phil Foden
The visiting side picked up the pace after the break and fought, at least in head-to-head matches, but they were no match for City’s immense decisiveness. Guardiola’s side intend to make it as difficult as possible for Arsenal to win First League honors for the first time in more than 20 years, despite the Spaniard insisting his only interest is “developing the team”.
The Gunners have a chance to fight back at Brentford on Thursday night, but the gap has now been reduced to just three points. And with the top two still scheduled to meet at the Etihad in April, this title race is far from over.
Why did Haaland withdraw?
Erling Haaland scores Man City’s third goal and is sent off at half-time.
Laura Hunter on Sky Sports at the Etihad Stadium:
Erling Haaland scored his first non-penalty goal since December 20, ending an eight-game losing streak. This shot was also perfectly executed, and was instinctively taken from the edge of the area. At this crucial point in the season, if that moment leads to a goal, it could be the difference. But if City are forced to cope without him, it could be an equally significant turning point.
The number nine did not reappear in the second half, but Pep called the decision “common sense” on the back of a 3-0 scoreline. Haaland has played 2,148 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, in addition to his demand in Europe and cup appearances. He is clearly fatigued, which contributes to his reduced effectiveness from open play. But don’t worry, there was no mention of injuries.
In any case, he is likely to be used as a substitute for this weekend’s FA Cup match, and the suspension will likely benefit him. If City are to rival Arsenal for major honors in May, they must not only make Haaland fit, but use him permanently.
Semenyo’s “fairy tale” begins
Antoine Semenyo told TNT Sports about his start with Man City:
“There are no secrets. I just got to be part of a great team and environment. The coaches were also great and made it easy for me to settle in. It’s all a fairy tale now.”
“We had to back up what we did at the weekend. It’s our first time competing for a title and we’re enjoying it. It’s a lot of pressure and demand, but the team has to do it. 12 games left, let’s keep going.”
Pep praises ‘great’ performance, not expecting to win title
Man City manager Josep Guardiola:
“One of the best (performances) of the season. After an emotional game like Anfield it’s always difficult for the next game. We made some adjustments with our pressing with the ball and counter-pressing. We were still tired. Rodri was tired, Bernardo was tired.”
“But in many ways the back four was very solid. Overall I’m really happy with the performance and the result. The first half was outstanding and really good.”
“We were more calm and together with the ball. It’s tough because we suffered when we went to Fulham[in December]and after a mentally and physically tough game at Anfield. But we talked a lot and I said, ‘Guys, we’ve got to do it again’ and they did that.”
Regarding the title fight, he said: “What I’ve always said is to grow, grow, grow. 90 minutes, how can we be more consistent, how can we be better, and the players feel like, ‘Wow, we can do it’ in their mentality, their fighting, their offense and defense. We’re doing that.”
On Haaland’s absence: “Nigls. He was feeling uncomfortable. Why? There were a lot of games. He didn’t talk to the doctor. He felt something, fatigue. We have a lot of games and we have Omar (Marmouche) too. Common sense, right?”
Silva dissatisfied with performance level
Fulham manager Marco Silva:
“It wasn’t good enough. You have to be humble to congratulate your opponents. They were better than us. We weren’t at that level. High pressing, obviously not playing like we should. Cheap goals, it’s as simple as that.”
“In these types of games, you have to be flexible when you get chances. We were balanced in the second half, but we can’t be satisfied with our performance.”
