City cruise past Fulham to keep up title pressure

Pep Guardiola’s side were in impressive control from the off at a rain-soaked Etihad and were two up inside half an hour.

First Semenyo was on target, claiming his fifth goal since joining us last month on 24 minutes.

O’Reilly then struck from Semenyo’s assist on the half hour to double the advantage before Haaland got in on the scoring act six minutes before the break.

The Norwegian struck to register his 153rd City career goal and so draw level with the great Colin Bell and go joint fourth in the all-time rankings.

Victory ensured we kept up momentum and maintained pressure on leaders Arsenal who play tomorrow evening away at Brentford.

The game in 250 words

It was a dank, damp backdrop to the game with rain enveloping the Etihad but the dour elements didn’t detract from City’s dominance right from the off.

Phil Foden, back in the starting line up alongside Ruden Dias, almost provided the perfect start with only a smart 11th minute save from Bernd Leno denying the England star with City laying virtual siege to the visitors’ goal.

City weren’t to be denied though and it was Semenyo who made the breakthrough on 25 minutes, the Ghanaian plundering his fifth goal since joining the Blues last month.

Matheus Nunes was the architect, pinging in a fine cross from the right flank and though Sander Berge attempted to head clear he only succeeded in diverting the ball into the path of the waiting Semenyo who finished from close range.

That goal roused Fulham from their slumbers and it needed an excellent diving save from Gianluigi Donnarumma on the half hour to deny danger man Harry Wilson after he left fly from 18 yards.

City’s response was instant and deadly – the Blues immediately marching back upfield and doubling our tally through O’Reilly.

It was deliciously worked goal too. Semenyo was the provider this time, teeing up the onrushing O’Reilly who composed himself before firing home a terrific strike from the left edge of the box.

It was total control from City and nine minutes later Erling Haaland got in on the scoring act, the big man rifling home from Foden’s inviting assist to make it 3-0.

It was his eighth goal in eight appearances against the Londoners – and also took Haaland to 153 career goals for City, drawing him level with the Club legend Colin Bell.

With City in such control, some of our vim and intensity slightly subsided after the break though Foden was inches wide with a 59th minute drive.

Fulham huffed and puffed but the Blues held firm at the back to set the seal on another satisfactory night’s work.

TEAMS

CITY XI: Donnarumma, Nunes (Khusanov 60), Dias, Guéhi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri (Nico 70), Bernardo (C) (Reijnders 60), O’Reilly, Semenyo, Foden (Cherki 70), Haaland (Marmoush 45)

Subs: Trafford, Stones, Alleyne, Lewis.

FULHAM XI:  Leno, Tete, Andersen (C), Bassey, Sessegnon, Berge (Reed 79), Iwobi, Wilson (Bobb 72), Smith Rowe (Muniz 60), Chukwueze (King 60), Jimenez (Kevin 60)

Subs: Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Robinson.

Player of the match

There were no shortage of worthy candidates but Nico O’Reilly gets the nod after another superb all-action display in midfield.

Just as he was on Sunday at Anfield, the Academy graduate was at the heart of so much that was good about City’s work.

And he capped off another fine evening’s work with that superbly taken first half goal.

In what has been a stellar season for the youngster, he continues to go from strength to strength.

Stat zone

Tonight’s win further extended City’s amazing home record against Fulham.

It’s now 20 consecutive home wins in all competitions and 17 in the Premier League – both not surprisingly representing the longest winning run one side has had against another in English football history.

Furthermore, City are now unbeaten in our last 56 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League home games (W48 D8).

It’s a remarkable record that goes all the way back to a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in May 2010.

Pep’s verdict

It was not easy after incredible emotions against Liverpool. If we allowed them to play it would be tough.

The first half was top. It was a really good performance.

I’m so happy for the guys. They showed that we can do good things.

It’s not three points [the gap to Arsenal]. After the game tomorrow it may not be three points, we’ll see. We know each other quite well.

NICO O’REILLY verdict

It did [feel comfortable]. In the first half we were good, we dominated the game.

Going into half time with three goals put us in a great position.

I thought throughout the whole 90 minutes was good. We dictated the play and got the win.

We’re definitely talking about it [the title]. For us, our main goal is three points every game and just to apply pressure to Arsenal. So that’s all we can do really.

What it means

Victory sees City narrow the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just three points, though the Gunners do have a game in hand.

The Blues now have 53 points from 26 games with our next league action now not until Saturday, February 21 when we play host to Newcastle.

		Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Form
1		Arsenal Arsenal	25	17	5	3	49	17	32	56
2		Manchester City Man City	26	16	5	5	54	24	30	53
3		Aston Villa Aston Villa	26	15	5	6	37	27	10	50

What’s next

Attention now switches to the FA Cup.

City play host to League Two Salford City in a fourth-round tie at the Etihad on Saturday, February 14.

Kick-off at the Etihad is scheduled for 15.00 (UK).