Fulham 0-4 Manchester City
Considering Manchester City’s unbeaten run in the Premier League and Fulham’s dismal history against the reigning champions, Pep Guardiola had little reason to fear the visit to Craven Cottage.
He had to find something to say to the media though, so he cited the long grass of the amply watered Thames-side pitch: ‘It’s a massive difference. The passes must be stronger, faster, quicker. To control you must attack the ball more... The difference is important and we know what we have to do.’
Marco Silva had his own strategy and the Whites made a spirited start, with Andreas Pereira forcing a corner and Antonee Robinson almost doing the same just moments later.
City took a short while to settle. But in the 13th minute an extended passing move led to Josko Gvardiol’s one/two with Kevin de Bruyne, and the placing of the ball in the bottom left corner of the Fulham net.
Just like Simon Hooper in last year’s fixture, referee Anthony Taylor stood apparently helpless as the visitors surged over to Pep for one of several time outs.
The early goal disconcerted the Whites, who nearly conceded again, first to Erling Haaland, then to Phil Foden - but both men were off target.
City’s first (and only) setback was an injury to Nathan Ake. His replacement Kyle Walker met with choruses of bawdy abuse from the Hammersmith End, which fortunately did not provoke him into scoring a hat-trick.
Fulham still looked rather sloppy, but Rodrigo Muniz won the ball and made an opening that Bobby DeCordova-Reid could not reach. The latter, captain for the day, was playing because Sasa Lukic was injured.
As always he gave his best but plugging the defensive gaps was asking too much of him. Alex Iwobi, on the same flank, performed an exciting run, which could have produced an equaliser if Ruben Diaz had not beaten Muniz to the ball.
End of season feeling
Though City had dominated, they remained just one goal ahead at the interval. Adama Traore was sent on by Marco Silva to enliven the attack. He provided Muniz with a potential equaliser but City goalkeeper Ederson anticipated well. It proved to be Fulham’s only meaningful attempt.
On the hour, Bernardo Silva evaded Robinson. Although Joao Palhinha halted his run, the ball came to Foden, who put his team further ahead and effectively ended the contest.
Armando Broja replaced Muniz but made little impact. Bernardo’s cross was scrambled in by the exultant Gvardiol and Julian Alvarez converted a penalty just before the close.
Bernd Leno’s slow reactions to the third goal and Issa Diop’s mistimed tackle for the penalty award emphasised the scale of defeat. The home fans had ceased to care.
They were amused by a PA announcement that a Mr Bishop had left the ground after the third goal. ‘Mr Bishop’ they sang approvingly ‘he’s one of our own’. Unlike him, they stayed to cheer their favourites when the match dragged to its conclusion.
Cup final legends honoured
The afternoon had begun with a minute’s applause for the late Viv Busby, who passed away last week aged 74, and at the interval the club and the fans honoured the memory of another hero of the ’75 Cup Final, Jimmy Conway.
The present-day squad returned to the pitch after the game, bringing family members with them. One away fixture remains but this was the best opportunity to thank everyone for a strange, intermittently exciting season.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
