City edge past Fulham to go top of Premier League

Manchester City have overtaken Arsenal to claim the top spot in the Premier League table after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. 

The Citizens were buoyed by their impressive 4-1 victory over Arsenal in their previous game and they started strongly, taking the lead within the first 90 seconds through a penalty by Erling Haaland. 

The penalty was awarded after Julian Alvarez was fouled by Fulham skipper Tim Ream, and Haaland calmly converted the spot-kick to register his 50th goal of the season.

On the 15th minute, the hosts levelled after Andreas Pereira delivered a perfectly weighted long ball over the top, which Harry Wilson nodded on to Carlos Vinicius, who struck a sweet half-volley past Ederson to bring the home fans to their feet.

As Pep Guardiola's men pressed to go back in front, Jack Grealish came agonizingly close to restoring their lead in the 28th minute, curling a shot towards goal that was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Bernd Leno.

But with just 10 minutes left in the first half, City finally found the breakthrough they had been searching for. Julian Alvarez, with no clear passing options available to him, decided to take matters into his own hands and let fly with a breathtaking long-range strike that sailed over Leno and nestled into the top corner of the net. 

The visitors kept up the pressure after the break, with Alvarez and Haaland coming close to adding to their tally, but Berns Leno was in fine form and made a string of impressive saves. 

There were moments of concern for Man City, including a possible penalty appeal when Ederson tangled with Vinicius, but replays showed that the Brazilian goalkeeper had played the ball and not the man.

The Cottagers continued to push forward, but City's game management was impressive and they held on to secure the win. 

With this result, Man City are back to the top of the Premier League with 76 points, one point above Arsenal and with a game in hand, while Fulham remain in 10th place.

Next up, City host West Ham United on Wednesday, while Marco Silva's men travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, also on Wednesday.