Manchester City Outclass Fulham to Secure Top Three Finish | OneFootball

Manchester City Clinch Third as Fulham Fall Short on Final Day

Gundogan’s Moment of Magic as City Cruise

Manchester City rounded off a turbulent campaign with a 2-0 win at Fulham to secure third place in the Premier League and a spot in next season’s Champions League. Despite starting the season as reigning champions chasing a fifth consecutive crown, Pep Guardiola’s men finished 13 points behind Liverpool and without a major trophy for the first time since 2017.

There was, however, one final flourish. Ilkay Gundogan, perhaps making his final Premier League appearance in sky blue, broke his league duck for the campaign in unforgettable fashion. On 21 minutes, Matheus Nunes’ cross was parried into his path by Bernd Leno, and the 34-year-old met it with a breathtaking bicycle kick that looped in off the crossbar.

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For Gundogan, it was redemption after 26 unconverted efforts in the league this season. It was also just his third goal in all competitions — but none more vital in sealing City’s top-four status.

Fulham’s Fight Fizzles in Frustration

To their credit, Fulham responded well. Harry Wilson forced a fine save from Ederson, diving full stretch to deny the Welsh winger’s low effort. Andreas Pereira followed up but could only find the side-netting.

City, though, were in command for long periods and doubled their lead when Erling Haaland confidently dispatched a penalty after Jorge Cuenca clumsily tripped Gundogan. Josko Gvardiol also had a header denied at point-blank range by Leno as the visitors pushed to extend their advantage.

This marked Fulham’s 10th defeat since the turn of the year. They finished 12th, a respectable if frustrating position after some encouraging early-season performances.

No English Starters as City End on High

In a quirk of Premier League history, this fixture was only the third ever not to feature an English player in either starting XI, joining Portsmouth v Arsenal in 2009 and Arsenal v Chelsea in 2019.

While City began the season with a Community Shield win, it has been a sobering year. No major silverware for the first time in eight seasons signals a need for renewal. A summer rebuild seems likely. Kevin De Bruyne was afforded a five-minute cameo that may have marked the end of an era, while Jack Grealish was left out of the squad entirely.

Rebuild Looms Despite Strong Finish

City finished strongly, going 10 matches unbeaten to close the campaign. Despite 16 defeats — their worst return since 2008-09 — they ensured Champions League qualification with a composed performance.

Their dominance over Fulham continues, now stretching to 18 straight wins against the West London side. “Assessing the formbook between the sides beforehand, this result should never have been in doubt, and City duly beat Fulham for the 18th time in a row.”

With one eye on the future, Guardiola will lead his side across the Atlantic next month for the expanded Club World Cup. Their next test comes against Wydad AC on 18 June in Philadelphia.

It has been a season of frustration for City, but one closed out with poise. Fulham showed glimpses but lacked the cutting edge. For Gundogan and his audacious final act, it was a fitting farewell — if indeed it was goodbye.