Man City 3-0 Fulham: What Guardiola said

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his side’s focus and quality after a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham, insisting the result was anything but routine following the emotional high of last weekend’s clash with Liverpool.

“It was not easy after incredible emotions when you play an emotional game like Liverpool,” Guardiola told TNT Sports. “It was a really, really good performance. So happy with the guys.”

The Catalan highlighted the impact of his summer signings, singling out one unnamed recruit for his instinct around the penalty area. “A lot of goals. He has a sense of the second balls in the box but not just that the pace and intensity – he is a top, top player. With him and Marc Guehi the club make incredible signings.”

Guardiola also offered reassurance over striker Erling Haaland, who was not risked for the full contest. “He had a niggle. Never doubt about the top scorers. The season is so long.”

The win extends Guardiola’s perfect record against Fulham to 15 consecutive victories across all competitions – the longest winning streak he has enjoyed against any opponent in his managerial career. City’s dominance was underscored by a three-goal half-time lead, the 33rd time they have done so in the Premier League since the manager’s arrival in 2016. That figure is more than double the tally of any other club in the same period; Tottenham are next on 16.

Statistically, City’s home form mirrors that of league leaders Arsenal: both sides have taken 32 points from 13 matches at their own grounds (10 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat) and have conceded only eight goals. Guardiola’s men hold a slender attacking edge, having scored 32 home goals to Arsenal’s 31.

“The team in certain moments is growing, people are coming back,” Guardiola added. “It is really, really important.”