In Craven Cottage, The score is 0-2 for the visitors, with goals scored by Tijjani Reijnders in the 16th minute and Erling Haaland in the 37th minute of the first half. The match, which started at 4:30 pm local British time, is still underway, with City controlling possession in search of more goals.
Fulham tries to react, but faces difficulties against the pressure of the Pep Guardiola team, second in the competition with five points less than Arsenal.
- Key stats up to 37 minutes:
- Ball possession: Fulham 30%, Manchester City 70%.
- Shots on goal: Fulham 3, Manchester City 5.
- Corners: Fulham 2, Manchester City 1.
Team selection and preparation
Manchester City entered the field with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, followed by Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Rico Lewis in defense. In midfield, Bernardo Silva served as captain alongside Reijnders and Phil Foden, with Jeremy Doku and others supporting Haaland in attack.
This formation reflects Guardiola’s strategy to maintain dominance, especially after the hard-earned 3-2 victory over Leeds United in the previous round, where Foden decided in stoppage time.
Fulham, led by Marco Silva, opted for a defensive line with Bassey and other defenders, relying on midfielders like Emile Smith Rowe and Lukic for counterattacks.
Fulham seeks reaction at Craven Cottage
Fulham occupies 15th place in Premier League, with 17 points, six above the relegation zone.
The team comes from a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, which boosted confidence, but the record against City is unfavorable, with no triumphs since April 2009.
In the current game, the home team exchanged passes in the defense in the opening minutes, but suffered from the visiting pressure.
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The local fans filled the stands, creating an intense atmosphere, while the pitch in good condition favors City’s fast style of play.
Manchester City dominates the first half
City started pressing, with 70% possession in the first 15 minutes.
Haaland almost scored in the 5th minute, hitting the post with a shot past the goalkeeper, and then opened the scoring in the 16th, completing a cross from Doku with his 100th goal in the Premier League.
Reijnders expanded in the 37th minute, finishing after a touch from Doku inside the area, consolidating the advantage.
Guardiola’s team, who have scored at least two goals in 19 straight games against Fulham in all competitions, are looking to maintain the momentum.
Despite the light rain that began to fall, the game flowed with City working the ball in the attacking field.
Timeline of main bids
- 16′ 1T: Gol do City! Doku crosses from the left, Reijnders cuts the lights and Haaland shoots the first time into the back of the net, scoring his 100th goal in Premier League. Placar: 0-1.
- 23′ 1T:Defesa crucial! Smith Rowe receives the ball in the area, turns and finishes, but Donnarumma makes a great intervention.
- 32′ 1T: Perigo do Fulham! Lukic takes a corner, Smith Rowe heads free in the area, but the ball goes up and over the goal.
- 36′ 1T: Quase the draw! Reijnders passes to Doku in the area, who shoots, but the ball hits the defense.
- 37′ 1T: Gol do City! Após quick play, Reijnders receives it and finishes accurately to make it 0-2.
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The game continues with Fulham trying counterattacks, like Bassey and Iwobi in the 21st minute, but City’s defense wards off the danger.
In the second half, more intensity is expected, with Fulham needing changes to reverse the score.
City, in turn, manages possession to avoid surprises, maintaining leadership in the table.
Absences and tactical highlights
Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson remain out of Fulham due to injury, which limits offensive options.
Rayan Cherki, from City, is pushing for a place after starting in the previous game against Leeds.
In midfield, the absence of Rodri due to a knee injury forces adjustments, but Bernardo Silva commands the actions.
These factors influence the pace, with the City exploiting speed on the flanks.
The clash highlights the defensive solidity of the visitors, who have not conceded goals in the last three home games.
Outlook for the rest of the match
With the score at 0-2 in the 37th minute of the first half, Manchester City seeks to expand, while Fulham reorganizes the marking.
The Premier League remains fierce, with the Arsenal keeping an eye on their rivals’ stumbles.
Fans are watching attentively, in a duel that could define positions in the table.
The opening whistle sounded in light rain, but the focus remains on the decisive plays ahead.
