The English League is entering its final phase. Manchester City leads the race for the title. The defending champion, Manchester City, is increasingly strengthening its steps towards winning the 2023/2024 Premier League championship. A landslide 4-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, 11 May 2024, made them emerge as leaders of the league which has entered its 36th week.
Playing with their best troops such as Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and also Phil Foden, Manchester City appeared dominant. They created 16 chances, nine of which were on goal. Meanwhile, hosts Fulham were only able to create one chance.
Even though there was interference from Fulham’s players at the start of the match, The Citizens managed to open the scoring in the 13th minute. Continuing a pass from Kevin de Bruyne, Josko Gvardiol successfully ripped through the Fulham goal guarded by Bernd Leno with a right foot kick from inside the penalty box.
Behind one goal, Fulham tried to reply. Bobby Reid and his friends tried to push towards the City defense which was guarded by the quartet of Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. However, poor finishing made it difficult for them to create opportunities.
There were no additional goals in the first half and the score remained 1-0 for City. Entering the second half, hosts Fulham almost equalized. Adam Traore, who moved on the right, sent a cross into the penalty box in the 57th minute and Rodrigo Muniz continued with a touch of his heel. However, his shot was too weak and was easily saved by City goalkeeper Ederson.
Also read:Quattrick Erling Haaland Answers the Challenge of Fighting for the Premier League Champion for Manchester City. Two minutes later, City actually increased their lead. Taking advantage of a wild ball swept by Joao Palhinha who was trying to block Bernardo Silva’s movement near the penalty box, Phil Foden followed it up with a shot into the left corner which goalkeeper Leno couldn’t reach.
Two goals ahead, Erling Haaland and his friends are still actively attacking. Haaland almost scored City’s third goal two minutes later when receiving a pass from De Bruyne. But his shot just went over.
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City’s third goal came in the 72nd minute. Gvardiol, who was free, managed to beat goalkeeper Leno for the second time after following Bernardo Silva’s free kick.
City then closed their victory to 4-0 in the 90+6 minute through a penalty kick from substitute Julian Alvarez. It started with Issa Diop’s mistake in fouling Alvarez in the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot and Alvarez, who stepped forward as executor, successfully carried out his duties.
This victory made City collect 85 points and overtake Arsenal’s position at the top of the standings. They are two points ahead of Arsenal in second place and still have two games left.
ASL
