If there is still a brief flicker of life in the title race, this was an afternoon to show why, but only to a point. Even as Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table, a position they will surely come to seal across the next few games, Fulham rose to the challenge and gave Pep Guardiola’s side their most uncomfortable test in weeks. You could imagine the Arsenal fans who had switched off following Erling Haaland’s penalty inside three minutes, turning back on as City were made to see this out. It was nervy, but not for long. After all, there is an assurance about this City side that never looked in doubt.
This was another side of City’s ability to strangle the life out of the title race and their rivals, following the thumping win over Arsenal on Wednesday that has put the Premier League in their hands. At Craven Cottage, City were irritated for a spell and briefly lost control – Vinicius could have punished them had Ederson not recovered in time to deny what would have been an open goal. They had certainy lost their way from the first half, which saw them pull Fulham out of shape and created space, a continuation of their stunning attacking form.
