Man City ease past Fulham to pile pressure on Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City stepped up the tempo in the Premier League title race with an emphatic 3-0 win over Fulham, doing all the damage before the break to move within three points of leaders Arsenal.

With the Gunners not in action until Thursday, Pep Guardiola’s side knew a victory would crank up the pressure - and they delivered a polished first-half performance at the Etihad.

The opener arrived on 24 minutes in fortunate fashion for the hosts. Sander Berge’s attempted clearance looped invitingly into the path of Antoine Semenyo, who reacted sharply to stab home from close range. It continued the Ghanaian’s fine run of form since his January arrival.

City quickly doubled their lead. Semenyo turned provider this time, slipping a clever pass into Nico O’Reilly's stride, and the youngster showed real composure to lift his finish over the advancing Bernd Leno.

Erling Haaland added a third before half-time, meeting Phil Foden’s through ball and driving a clinical effort low into the corner.

Fulham threatened briefly when Harry Wilson tested the goalkeeper at 1-0, but once City found their rhythm, there was no way back for Marco Silva’s side.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Manchester City takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Fulham. Antoine Semenyo scores with a right-footed shot from close range, sending the ball straight into the center of the net.Manchester City takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Fulham. Antoine Semenyo scores with a right-footed shot from just a few meters out, finding the center of the net.

24':

GOAL Manchester City: Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) scores!

Antoine Semenyo scores goal number 13 in the competition (25 matches)

Manchester City leads Fulham 2-0. Nico O'Reilly scores with a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, sending the ball into the top center of the net. The assist came from Antoine Semenyo, who delivered a perfectly timed through ball.

30':

GOAL Manchester City: Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City) scores!

Nico O’Reilly scores goal number 2 in the competition (25 matches)

Manchester City leads Fulham 3-0. Erling Haaland scores with a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the bottom right corner. The assist comes from Phil Foden after a quick counter-attack.

39':

GOAL Manchester City: Erling Haaland (Manchester City) scores!

Erling Haaland scores goal number 22 in the competition (26 matches) Erling Haaland scores goal number 153 for his team (183 matches)

42':

Missed opportunity! Raúl Jiménez from Fulham attempted a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area but sent it wide to the left. The assist came from Harry Wilson, who delivered a well-placed through ball.

45':

Missed opportunity! Samuel Chukwueze from Fulham attempted a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed high and to the left of the goal. The assist came from Emile Smith Rowe.

47':

Opportunity wasted. Emile Smith Rowe from Fulham took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went just wide.

53':

Missed opportunity! Raúl Jiménez of Fulham attempted a header from the center of the penalty area, but it sailed over the bar and to the left. The assist came from Samuel Chukwueze, who delivered a cross into the box.