Josko Gvardiol was the hero for Manchester City as his brace helped them secure a crucial victory over Fulham, moving them two points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The visitors dominated the game from start to finish, with Gvardiol opening the scoring early on with a clinical finish after a well-worked move. Phil Foden doubled City’s lead after the break with a first-time finish, showcasing his excellent form this season.
Although Erling Haaland missed a chance to extend City’s lead, Gvardiol ensured victory with his second goal, stabbing in from close range. Fulham’s hopes were further dashed when Issa Diop was sent off for a foul in the box, allowing Julain Alvarez to convert the resulting penalty.
The win puts pressure on Arsenal, who need to beat Manchester United on Sunday to keep the title race alive. Manchester City’s next fixture against Tottenham on Tuesday could potentially seal a fourth consecutive Premier League title for Pep Guardiola’s side if Arsenal fail to secure a positive result against United.
Despite the high stakes, Manchester City showed no signs of nerves, delivering a composed performance when it mattered most. Guardiola emphasized the importance of avoiding errors in their pursuit of the league trophy, and his team delivered with a dominant display against Fulham.
Meanwhile, Fulham’s hopes of matching last season’s top-10 finish were dashed by the defeat. Although they started energetically, they were unable to match City’s superiority throughout the game.