City put the pressure back on United as they return to top spot

Manchester City 3 – 0 Fulham

Manchester City piled the pressure onto rivals Manchester United after seeing off Fulham and a snowstorm to return to top of the Premier League. A Sergio Aguero penalty and an own-goal from Chris Baird gave City a 2-0 lead at half-time before Edin Dzeko sealed the comfortable 3-0 victory in the second half.

City started brightly and were given a glorious opportunity to take the lead after a foul on Adam Johnson by a mixture of Baird and Brede Hangeland tackle, although replays showed Johnson flicking out his leg in order to make sure contact was made with Fulham’s defenders. Aguero made no mistake from the spot and from that point on the result seemed in no doubt.

Fulham, who were surviving without Bobby Zamora, tried in vain to get back into the game but neither Clint Dempsey nor Simon Davies were able to get past the potentional new England captain Joe Hart. Fulham’s resurgence into the game only made City stronger and after Aguero had flicked Aleksandar Kolorov’s cross towards goal, Baird could only help the ball past ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer and into the net. City then attempted to add to their lead, with David Silva having a decent penalty appeal turned down and Dzeko unable to finish after being put through on goal by strike partner Aguero.

With half-time came the snow and referee Mike Dean had to stop play twice to allow City’s ground staff the opportunity to clear the pitch, and there was some consideration given to postponing the game. Sadly for Fulham, play resumed and after some good pressure from the visitors, the home side struck again: man of the match Aguero did well to stay on his feet as he skipped past the injured Senderos, before laying the ball off to Dzeko to secure the three points for Roberto Mancini.

Dean Mears