MATCH REPORT: CITY 3 FULHAM 0
It’s early days but the champions are already looking in great shape five games into the campaign.
Goals from Leroy Sane, David Silva and Raheem Sterling saw off Fulham at the Etihad, though it could have been many more as City dominated throughout.
It was a harsh lesson for the newly-promoted Cottagers who were never allowed to find any sort of rhythm
WATCH: Leroy Sane’s post-match reaction
WATCH: Pep praise for ‘perfect’ Bernardo
City were ahead within 90 seconds of kick-off thanks to a fantastic piece of play by Fernandinho.
The Brazilian intercepted a poor pass on the halfway line and then drove forward before sliding a perfect cross into the path of Leroy Sane who tapped the ball into the net from five yards out.
The champions were quicker and sharper in every department in the opening stages as the visitors grimly clung on.
Ederson’s inch perfect 70-yard pass to Sergio Aguero again opened up the Fulham defence, but despite bringing the ball down superbly, Kun’s shot was easily saved.
With 15 minutes played, City went agonisingly close to doubling the lead after a sublime piece of skill by Bernardo.
The Portuguese juggled a high ball to his feet before putting Raheem Sterling free and the England forward was unlucky to see his shot deflected onto the crossbar by the sprawling body of keeper Marcus Bettinelli.
But six minutes later, City were two goals to the good as the excellent Bernardo held off a challenge inside the box to play the ball to Aguero whose miscued shot was turned in off the bar by David Silva – his 50th Premier League goal for the Blues on his 350th appearance.
Sane was a shade unlucky to see another goal ruled out for offside on half-time, but the champions did score again, three minutes after the re-start.
Aguero collected a high ball on the right flank, slowly edged towards the box before dropping shoulder and sending in a low cross that Sterling tapped home from a yard or so out.
Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho and Bernardo all came close to increasing the winning margin as the visitors were a shade fortunate to lose by just three goals.
Sublime Bernardo
Almost exclusively, Bernardo Silva has played on the wing during his time with City.
Not today.
The former Monaco playmaker was given one of the creative central berths alongside David Silva against Fulham and there were times when his skill and vision were breath-taking.
Already a big crowd favourite, he created numerous chances, worked tirelessly and was excellent from start to finish.
Delph, Sane and Otamendi take their chance
Though none of them had started a Premier League game this season, you’d never have known it.
Sane, Fabian Delph and Nicola Otamendi all impressed with displays that will have delighted Pep Guardiola.
Delph filled in for Mendy and rarely put a foot wrong, Otamendi was a commanding presence at the back and Sane opened his account for the campaign and saw another couple of efforts go close in an impressive performance.
What it means…
Liverpool and Chelsea continued their 100% start to the campaign, so the Blues remain two points behind the top two in third.
Watford, the only other side yet to drop points, play Manchester United in today’s early evening kick-off.
What’s next?
City kick off the Champions League campaign against Lyon on Wednesday at the Etihad.
Then it’s off to South Wales to face Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City in the Premier League.
