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English Premier League
2024-25
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MCI vs FUL
English Premier League
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Manchester City
vs
Fulham
3
FT
2
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 3 - 2
Thanks for joining me here on Tribe as Mateo Kovacic’s brilliant brace proved vital for Manchester City to overcome a battling Fulham 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon; I hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage; I’ve been Rory Morrow and I look forward to seeing you again soon for another live text commentary!
Up Next - After the international break, City resume their schedule with a trip to Wolves. Fulham are back in action the day before, entertaining Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.
Fulham, then, suffer only their second Premier League loss of the season, so far, both coming in Manchester. Yet Marco Silva's side were excellent for large parts here, composed in fending off a rapid City start and threatening in attack all game long. While they kept Haaland relatively quiet, they couldn't keep City out entirely; albeit all three of City's goals were brilliantly taken. Traore hummed away livelily on the wing and should have doubled their lead in the first half. At the back, despite conceding three, Andersen and Bassey were immense, making a number of important clearances which kept The Cottagers in their match until the end. Muniz grabbing his first league goal off the bench will also be a source of happiness for manager, Silva, as they head for their fortnight off of club duties.
So, three points for The Champions, which will do them the world of good after successive league draws with Arsenal and Newcastle United. In the absence of Rodri, Kovacic absolutely bossed the midfield this afternoon, scoring two screamers, accurately passing and generally helping City keep control for large spells. Doku, too, will be pleased to have had an explosive, scoring cameo. At the back, though, more lax defending on both of Fulham's goals whilst Traore and Iwobi caused City full-backs, Lewis and Gvardiol, no end of problems. However, it's another comeback win at home and City enter the season's second international break, perhaps ominously for their title rivals, still unbeaten.
MAN CITY DO ENOUGH TO WIN - Manchester City return to winning ways in the Premier League against a really tenacious Fulham. In an end-to-end match, Fulham struck first blood through Pereira's close-range finish, with Traore blazing a presentable chance over the crossbar moments later. Kovacic restored parity with a sumptuously taken volley before the break. The Croatian then added another goal to his name with a crisp rocket into the top-left-hand corner from Silva's layoff. Fulham, to their credit, pushed City hard but looked to be down and out when substitute, Doku, fired in a fantastic third. However, two of Fulham's men off the bench, Nelson and Muniz, combined to set up a nervy finish for the home crowd. Man City, though, saw the game out professionally and will welcome a return to winning ways before the international break.
90+5'
Robinson pushes up past halfway down the left. However, he takes a heavy touch, allowing Lewis to intercept. A frustrated Nelson hacks him down with Silva then being booked for time-wasting over taking the subsequent free kick.
B. Silva
90+5'
90+3'
Ederson is brandished yellow for taking his time over the free kick.
Ederson
90+3'