Manchester City achieved another milestone in their illustrious journey by clinching a commanding 4-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, solidifying their position at the summit of the Premier League table for at least 24 hours. This triumph not only showcased their dominance but also etched a new English record, marking an impressive streak of 16 consecutive wins across all competitions against top-flight adversaries.
The game ignited with intensity as Joško Gvardiol, orchestrating from the left wing, orchestrated a swift interplay with Kevin De Bruyne before elegantly dispatching the ball into the back of the net, evoking echoes of a seasoned striker. From that moment onward, Manchester City dictated the tempo, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Erling Haaland’s chance soared over the crossbar amidst a defensive mix-up, while Bernd Leno, Fulham’s goalkeeper, was repeatedly tested by Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
Despite City’s dominance, a second goal eluded them just before halftime when Manuel Akanji squandered a golden opportunity from a De Bruyne cross, sending his volley skyward in a rare moment of imprecision.
The halftime interval saw Fulham strategize with the introduction of Adama Traoré, aiming to break City’s defensive resolve. Marco Silva’s tactical adjustment nearly bore fruit as Traoré found Rodrigo Muniz in the box, only for Ederson to deny his flicked attempt, ensuring City’s clean sheet remained intact.
The champions swiftly responded, with Phil Foden clinically finding the bottom corner of Leno’s net after a dazzling solo run from Bernardo Silva, extending City’s streak of scoring at least two goals in nine consecutive visits to Craven Cottage.
In the latter stages of the game, Manchester City further asserted their dominance, as Gvardiol capitalized on Silva’s precise cross to double his goal tally for the season, propelling City to a commanding 3-0 lead. The match concluded with drama as Issa Diop’s ill-timed challenge on Julián Álvarez earned him a second yellow card, leading to a penalty that Álvarez calmly converted, sealing City’s comprehensive victory.
For Fulham, the wait for a point against Manchester City extends to September 2011, while Pep Guardiola’s side, riding a seven-match winning streak, edges closer to clinching their fourth consecutive Premier League title, further cementing their status as the league’s dominant force.
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