Man City player ratings vs Fulham after the Blues leapfrogged Arsenal to go to the top of the Premier League table.
It may only last just over 24 hours but Manchester City have claimed top spot in the Premier League and piled the pressure on Arsenal with a 4-0 win over Fulham.
Though not the most exciting display from Pep Guardiola’s team, they were completely dominant and hardly broke a sweat on the way to victory.
Josko Gvardiol was at the double as his hot streak in front of goal continued and Phil Foden grabbed another.
The big win has further helped narrow the goal difference gap with Arsenal and here’s how the players rated.
Ederson – 6
Had nothing to do for 56 minutes but was alert at the first sign of real danger. A welcome clean sheet.
Manuel Akanji – 6
Back at right-back initially and was the weak link in the side as he got caught out of position repeatedly in the opening stages. Moved back to centre-back and looked much more comfortable.
Missed an absolute sitter at the end of the first half.
Ruben Dias – 7
Had a couple of battles with the dangerous Rodrigo Muniz but made two crucial interceptions to stop the in-form striker from getting a real chance.
Nathan Ake – 6
Tried playing through the pain after picking up a strain but had to be taken off after 20 minutes. Had made a couple of important clearances beforehand.
Josko Gvardiol – 9
When did Josko Gvardiol become one of the side’s best forwards? That’s now five goals in seven games and the first is one of his best yet.
A fantastic give-and-go with De Bruyne, a lovely touch and a composed finish Haaland would be proud of.
The second wasn’t half bad either as he did well to keep a high ball down to sneak it in past Bernd Leno.
Humble enough to turn down the chance to become the first defender in Premier League history to score a hat-trick by giving Alvarez the penalty.
A little sloppy with his passing at times but was a constant attacking threat and enjoyed a solid defensive showing, even against the rapid Adama Traore.
Rodri – 7
Not as influential going forward as he has been in recent games but another quietly assured performance in helping City maintain and recycle possession.
Bernardo Silva – 8
A real menace to the Fulham back line as he constantly got on the ball in good positions. Created the second goal with an incisive run towards the box and the third with a delightful cross.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Lovely flick through the lines to pick up yet another assist as he goes level with Cesc Fabregas in the all-time charts on 111. Could have had more, too, with all the dangerous chances he created but his teammates couldn’t finish them.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
A strong, positive performance in which he either passed or drove his way through the Fulham press on several occasions. Worked hard to win the ball back and was mostly good on it.
Phil Foden – 8
As soon as he got involved in the game City scored the opener and he bagged the second with a fantastic finish on his weaker foot. That’s 25 for the season now.
As well as going forward, he showed his high work ethic with a great recovery challenge to stop a threatening attack after City had given the ball away.
Erling Haaland – 5
A quiet game in which little came his way and when it did he somehow spooned a great chance you’d have bet your mortgage on him converting wide.
Substitutes
Kyle Walker – 6
Started his day with a pass straight to an opponent but was composed afterwards and grew into the game. Nothing got past him.
Jeremy Doku – 6
Forced a great save out of Leno.
Julian Alvarez – 7
Put himself about and won the penalty which he then casually converted.
Oscar Bobb – 6
Some nice passes in attacking areas.
Rico Lewis – 6
Combined nicely with Bobb and only a last-gasp interception prevented a good chance on goal.
