What has Josko Gvardiol been eating? The Croatian failed to score in his first 32 matches for Manchester City but now he has five goals in his last seven outings. And he was in clinical form as Pep Guardiola’s side strolled to a 4-0 win over Fulham in the west London sunshine.
Gvardiol got City off to a fine start by completing a 19-pass move and the only surprise was that they were not more goals to the good after utterly dominating the first half. Phil Foden put the visitors more at ease by doubling their lead after the break and then Gvardiol struck again.
The Croatian had the chance to score a hat-trick when City were awarded a late penalty but he passed up the opportunity and gave the ball to Julian Alvarez, who completed the rout. Now all Arsenal can do is beat Manchester United and pray for an unlikely favour from Tottenham next week. Otherwise, the Premier League title will be staying in Manchester for a record fourth consecutive year.
GOAL rates Man City’s players from Craven Cottage…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (5/10):
Barely had to do anything in the first half but did well to thwart Rodrigo Muniz for what was Fulham’s first attempt of the game.
Josko Gvardiol (9/10):
In insatiable goalscoring form, with more league strikes than Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku. Also excellent in linking defence and attack.
Nathan Ake (5/10):
Forced off in the first half with an injury.
Ruben Dias (8/10):
Superb on the ball and astute defending the very few attacks City had to face, heading one dangerous ball away before half-time.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
Missed an absolute sitter, side-footing over when he should have used his head. Otherwise fine without standing out.
.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Midfield
Bernardo Silva (8/10):
Contributed to the midfield dominance and got two assists to boot.
Rodri (8/10):
Controlled the game in his usual manner and looks set to end the season unbeaten as well as with another league title.
Mateo Kovacic (8/10):
Took on lots of responsibility with the ball and ensured City monopolised possession.
.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Attack
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):
Set up the first goal and was always looking to create danger.
Erling Haaland (5/10):
Had a quiet game and will be disappointed he couldn’t get on the scoresheet but he did use his strength to keep Fulham at bay.
Phil Foden (7/10):
Stroked the loose ball into the net to bag his 25th goal of the season. Also created lots of space for his team-mates..jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Subs & Manager
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Called on early due to Ake’s injury and made sure City were always in charge, barely giving Fulham a sniff.
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
Looked lively in his 15 minutes on the pitch despite taking a knock.
Rico Lewis (N/A):
Worked hard defensively even though the game was practically won when he came on with eight minutes left.
Julian Alvarez (N/A):
Brought on in the 82nd minute and had his usual impact, winning and scoring the penalty for goal number four.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Came on in the 82nd minute and moved the ball about with his usual intelligence and confidence.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Could have been a banana skin but came up with a possession-heavy game-plan to ensure Fulham never stood a chance.
