Fulham, a rejuvenated force since last season under Marco Silva, held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw despite being down to ten men. They knocked Tottenham Hotspur out of the League Cup on Tuesday night and the confidence was sky high before clashing heads with Manchester City at the Etihad.
Although Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark, the Cottagers equalized immediately when Tim Ream latched onto the loose ball. However, a controversial Nathan Ake goal restored City’s lead just before the half-time whistle. It was all about Erling Haaland in the second half who scored a hat-trick and secured a thumping 5-1 win for the champions of England.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their commanding victory against Fulham.
Ederson: 7
Did well to stop Raul Jimenez’s volley, but he could have done little to stop Ream who fired it in from the rebound.
Kyle Walker: 7.5
Was a constant threat with his overlapping runs. Also used his blistering pace to move backwards and help the defensive line.
Ruben Dias: 7.5
Was composed with his passing game. Spot on with his tackles as the Portuguese centre-back kept on winning duels and making timely interceptions.
Manuel Akanji: 7
Did well to partner with Dias in the heart of the backline. Was lucky not to be adjudged offside or blocking Bernd Leno during Ake’s goal.
Nathan Ake: 8
The Dutchman, deployed as a left fullback, showed his exquisite attacking traits with marauding runs, crosses, cut insides and passes into the final third. His free header ended in the back of the net from Foden’s corner.
Rodri: 7
His tactical fouls often broke down Fulham’s moves in the centre of the pitch. Played his part in the build-up of Haaland’s first of the evening. Made way for Bernardo Silva during the final quarter of the contest.
Mateo Kovacic: 7.5
Excellent with his down-the-middle runs as his ball-carrying ability and tireless movements helped the hosts dominate the midfield battle. Was taken off for Kalvin Phillips late in the game.
Phil Foden: 7.5
Lively down the flank with his swift footwork, dribbles and link-up play. Assisted Ake from the corner and posed a persistent threat before leaving the pitch for Oscar Bobb with minutes remaining.
Julian Alvarez: 8.5
Was effective as a ‘number 10’ who often operated as the second strike alongside Haaland. Broke the deadlock in the first half, and played his part in Haaland’s first goal before winning a spot-kick minutes later. The Norwegian made no mistake in hitting the target. Was replaced by Rico Lewis late in the match.
Jeremy Doku: 7
His pace and flair often caused menace in Fulham’s defence. Needs to work more on his finishing skills. Was taken off for Sergio Gomez with 14 minutes left of the regulation time.
Erling Haaland: 9.5
Laid it on for Alvarez for the opening goal. Hit the target thrice in the second half as the Citizens scored five past the Cottagers to extend their winning streak before the international break.
Manchester City Subs vs Fulham
Bernardo Silva: 7
Injected freshness in midfield for the final few minutes of the tie.
Sergio Gomez: 7.5
Did extremely well to set it up for Haaland who netted his hat-trick goal late in the stoppage time.
Kalvin Phillips: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Oscar Bobb: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Rico Lewis: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
