Manchester City Cruise Past Fulham 3-0, Close Gap on League Leaders Arsenal

England, Feb 12 : Manchester City delivered a clinical performance to defeat Fulham 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium, cutting Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League table to just three points and strengthening their title ambitions.

The hosts asserted control from the opening stages and effectively settled the contest before half-time with three well-crafted goals. Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, capitalising on a favourable deflection from Matheus Nunes’ cross to slot the ball home. Minutes later, Semenyo turned creator, threading a precise pass to Nico O’Reilly, who finished calmly past Bernd Leno.

Erling Haaland added the third goal before the interval, ending his eight-match drought for an open-play league strike. The Norwegian forward met Phil Foden’s assist with a composed finish into the bottom corner, giving City a commanding cushion.

Despite Haaland’s withdrawal at the break, City maintained territorial dominance but could not further increase the margin. Fulham struggled to generate sustained pressure, though Emile Smith Rowe came closest with two attempts, one drifting off target and another pushed wide.

Foden remained influential, forcing a save and seeing a volley deflected, while substitute Omar Marmoush was denied by Leno in the second half. Late efforts from Rodrigo Muniz and Josh King tested goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who preserved the clean sheet with confidence.

The victory keeps City firmly in the championship conversation, while Fulham stay 12th following a third straight loss. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s upcoming fixture against Brentford now carries added significance as the title race intensifies.