The second half between Manchester City and Fulham started with Fulham fans and Marco Silva still in disbelief.
However, the Blues came out 2-1 up and no substitutions. Not unusual for City, though another tactical tweak deployed to allow Foden more freedom.
Speaking of Foden, watching him play football up close is a pleasure. A dream. It’s watching pure art unfold.
Manchester City will want to tidy up their play.
It did not take long for the Blues to increase their lead as Haaland made it 3 goals to City at 58 minutes.
A through ball from Rodri and a stunning flick from Alvarez sets Haaland away.
Manchester City 3 – 1 Fulham.
Improvement from the Blues during the second half as they look to extend their lead again.
Continuing to press and getting a hold of the game in a way that was lacking during the first half.
A fantastic ball over the top to Alvarez saw him fouled in the opposition penalty area by Tete. Manchester City were awarded a penalty as a result.
Haaland stepped up and he was not missing another one. He makes it his 5th goal in 4 games so far this season.
Manchester City 4 – 1 Fulham.
Another record broken by City’s superstar striker:
50 – Erling Haaland has reached 50 goal involvements (41 goals, 9 assists) in just 39 appearances in the Premier League, breaking Andrew Cole’s record (43 games) to become the fastest player to reach 50 goals and assists in the competition. Bullseye. pic.twitter.com/RH8IaMrogB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 2, 2023
Manchester City looked much more comfortable in the second half, regaining control and cruising. Fulham had a half-hearted penalty shout claiming an Akanji handball. However, it hits his shoulder and the correct decision of no penalty concludes.
The score line enabled Oscar Bobb to make his Premier League debut for the first team.
For the first time in a Premier League game since memory can recall, Lillo makes all five available subs.
The first set of substitutions came when Bernardo replaced Rodri, and Doku made way for Gomez.
Kalvin Phillips was awarded some game time for the first time this season coming on for Kovacic.
Meanwhile Foden and Alvarez came off for youngsters Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb.
Haaland was not done however, he got his hat-trick when he scored a third in additional time.
Full-time: Manchester City 5 – 1 Fulham.
