This game turned out to be as expected, with everyone predicting that Man City will finally go top of the league ahead of Arsenal and continue their dominance going forward. It only took City 3 minutes to get the party started, as Fulham’s Tim Ream was negligent in his 18 yard box by tripping Julian Alvarez in the penalty box. Erling Haaland took the penalty and scored from the spot kick.
Once the first blood was drawn, it was City all the way - in control of the majority of the possession and dictating the run of play. City made several attempts to double their lead with multiple attempts from Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez but eventually, it was Fulham that got the equalizer in the 15th minute of the game. The goal came from Vinicius, assisted by Harry Wilson. With that goal making it stalemate, the game was back on.
Mancity continued dominating possession; Fulham’s Tim Ream was then injured, taken off and was replaced by Issa Diop. There was also the Jack Grealish’s attempt that hit the cross bar. It is still crazy how an attempt hitting the crossbar is not regarded as an attempt on target. After, several attempts, City finally broke the deadlock by retaining their lead once again, through a Julian Alvarez’s shot from outside the box. He was assisted by Riyad Mahrez. The game was now 1 -2 in favour of Man City.
The attempts continued but Leno, Fulham’s goalkeeper kept Fulham in the game by making multiple vital saves. City dominated everything from possession to corners to attempts on target. However, Fulham kept pushing, hoping to get a better of their opponents of the day. There were also a few penalty shouts but they were not given. It however, ended the same way, with all the goals coming in the first half of the game.
How did both teams line up?
FULHAM
Fulham lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation
The shot stopper, Bernd Leno was in goal; a back four of Kenny Tete, Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream, and Andonee Robinson. Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha played as defensive midfielders. Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira and Bobby Reid supported Carlos Vinicius in attack.
MAN CITY
Man City lined up with Guardiola’s recent unique formation, 3-2-4-1
Ederson in goal, the back three of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Kyle Wlaker. Rodri and John stones played as defensive midfielders, while Jack Grealish, Ikay Gundogan, Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez played as attacking midfielders, supporting the goal machine, Erling Haaland as the lone striker.
What this victory means for City and the Premier league.
English Premier league table as at 30/4/23With one less game played than Arsenal, this victory against Fulham officially takes Mancity to first position (on top of the Premier league), a position that Arsenal has occupied for so long this season. Mancity have played 32 games so far and have acquired 76 points, with a goal difference of 54 goals. They also have 4 draws and 4 losses. The only teams to have lost as few games as City thus far, this season are Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Mathematically, Arsenal can still win the league but faith is beginning to dwindle for the Arsenal faithfuls because of the understanding that once City are on top of the league, it is a one way traffic.
Comments
Arsenal have their work cut out for them