Manchester City vs Fulham: 3-Goal First-Half Lead

Manchester, MINA – Manchester City hosted Fulham in Week 26 of the 2025/2026 Premier League at the Etihad Stadium, Wednesday.

This match was crucial for the Citizens in the title race. An additional three points could cut the gap on Arsenal to just three points.

On the other hand, Fulham, currently in 12th place in the standings, still had the potential to cause problems for the hosts.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City deployed a 4-3-3 formation, and Fulham manager Marco Silva employed a 4-2-3-1 formation to win.

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The first half began.

Fulham struggled to break out

The kick-off began with Fulham’s players, with the home side exerting pressure on the visitors’ defense.

City’s pressing forced the Cottagers to struggle to break out of their own half. City even conceded two consecutive corner kicks, although they failed to score.

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In the 10th minute, Phil Foden (47) created his second chance, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Bernd Leno (1).

Nico O’Reilly (33) still missed a shot in the 15th minute.

It wasn’t until the 23rd minute that Fulham attacked into City’s penalty area and earned a corner, but it was still far from a goal.

First Goal

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Manchester City finally reaped the rewards of their dominance in the 24th minute.

It started with a cross from Matheus Nunes (27) from the left side of Fulham’s half in front of goal. The ball was headed by Fulham’s Sander Berge (16). However, the ball was closer to the goal, and Manchester City striker Antoine Semenyo (42) tapped it in.

Goal. The ball went under goalkeeper Leno’s armpit. The home crowd immediately erupted in cheers.

The score was 1-0 to Manchester City.

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Second Goal

The match continued under pouring rain.

In the 30th minute, Fulham created their best chance through an individual effort from Harry Wilson (8).

After remaining solidly guarded by two City players, Wilson took a shot from outside the penalty area. However, it was blocked by a City defender.

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Conversely, in the same minute, a quick attack from Semenyo (42) threatened immediately as Fulham’s team had yet to fully recover.

Semenyo beat defender Kenny Tete (2) inside the penalty area, passing to O’Reilly (33), who came through and shot. Goalkeeper Lone was beaten again.

Goal. 2-0 to Manchester City.

Haaland’s Goal

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In the 39th minute, City’s star striker, Erling Haaland (10), scored the home team’s third goal.

Goal. 3-0. This was a difficult score for Fulham.

The score remained that way until halftime.

Goalless Second Half

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In the second half, Manchester City continued to dominate possession, but Fulham had more opportunities to attack and press compared to the first half. However, neither team scored a goal, leaving the score at 3-0 at full time. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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