Manchester City narrowed Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to three points with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who needed late goals to beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this week, were in control from the outset and surged into a three-goal lead within 39 minutes, as per the Premier League website.
Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, turning home after Matheus Nunes’ cross deflected kindly into his path. Semenyo then turned provider six minutes later, slipping a pass through for Nico O’Reilly to finish across goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Erling Haaland made it 3-0 before the break, ending his eight-game wait for an open-play Premier League goal with a precise finish into the bottom-right corner after being set up by Phil Foden.
City continued to dominate proceedings despite Haaland being withdrawn at half-time, though they were unable to extend their advantage. Fulham, meanwhile, struggled to mount a sustained challenge.
Foden was lively throughout the opening half, seeing a volley deflected wide and forcing a save from Leno. Emile Smith Rowe had Fulham’s best opportunities, with one effort drifting wide before another was pushed into the side netting.
Substitute Omar Marmoush was denied by Leno in the second half, while Rodrigo Muniz and Josh King tested City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma late on, but the Italian secured a comfortable clean sheet.
The result keeps City firmly in the title race, while Fulham remains 12th in the standings after a third consecutive defeat. Arsenal, who face Brentford on Thursday, now see their lead trimmed to three points.