Recap

Man City 3-0 Fulham: City Reignite Title Charge with Dominant Display at Rain-Soaked Etihad

Manchester City delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium, closing the gap to leaders Arsenal to just three points with all goals arriving in a devastating first half.

First-Half Blitz Seals Comfortable Win

The match, played under persistent Manchester rain, saw Pep Guardiola’s side assert total control from the outset, racing into a 3-0 lead before the break and never looking back. Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Matheus Nunes, with Erling Haaland heading down the initial delivery. This marked Semenyo’s fifth goal since joining City last month and his third against Fulham this season, including two scored for Bournemouth in October.

Six minutes later, in the 30th minute, young midfielder Nico O’Reilly doubled the lead with a clinical finish, assisted by Semenyo, showcasing the seamless interplay in City’s attack. O’Reilly’s goal came shortly after Fulham’s Harry Wilson had forced a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, but City instantly countered to punish the visitors. The third goal arrived in the 39th minute, with Phil Foden providing the assist for Haaland to rifle home a powerful shot, making it 3-0 and rendering the second half a mere formality. Haaland, who was substituted at halftime with the job done, celebrated his 153rd goal for City, equaling club legend Colin Bell’s tally and moving joint-fourth on the all-time scorers’ list.

City’s dominance was evident early, with Foden—returning to the starting lineup after four games—twice going close and O’Reilly firing over the bar before the opener. Fulham, managed by Marco Silva against Guardiola whom he has never beaten, offered little resistance, repeatedly conceding possession and failing to mount a sustained threat. The Cottagers’ defense was breached easily, gifting Semenyo his opener and struggling against City’s relentless pressure.

Haaland Milestone Highlights City’s Clinical Edge

Erling Haaland’s contribution was pivotal, not just for the goal but for his broader impact, bringing his tally against Fulham to eight in eight matches. Fresh from a vital penalty winner at Liverpool on Sunday, the Norwegian striker reignited his campaign with this open-play strike, his first Premier League goal of the calendar year from open play. Withdrawing him at halftime underscored City’s comfort, preserving the star forward amid a congested schedule.

Semenyo’s rapid adaptation since his arrival has been remarkable, netting five times in eight appearances and proving a thorn in Fulham’s side. Nico O’Reilly, the emerging talent, marked his moment with a “glorious” finish, as described in highlights, doubling the lead in style and signaling City’s depth. Phil Foden’s creativity shone through his assist and early threats, while Matheus Nunes’ cross for the opener highlighted the full-backs’ involvement in attack.

Defensively, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s sharp save from Wilson kept the clean sheet on track, and Rúben Dias’ return alongside Foden bolstered the backline. Fulham’s Bernd Leno was called into action early but could do little against the onslaught, particularly Semenyo’s close-range finish.

Fulham Dismal in Defeat, City Apply Title Pressure

Fulham’s performance was labeled “dismal” and “compliant,” a far cry from the thrilling 5-4 reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in December where City scraped a win after leading 5-1. Marco Silva’s side bore their teeth briefly with Wilson’s chance, but lacked penetration, their European ambitions dented by this meek surrender. Repeated turnovers invited City’s attacks, making the game a “stroll” for the hosts.

For City, this result injected “life” into the title race, responding to Guardiola’s pre-match call for improvement after rare complete performances. Narrowing Arsenal’s lead to three points ramps up pressure ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Brentford, maintaining City’s momentum post-Anfield heroics. The win at a dreary, rain-soaked Etihad demonstrated resilience and firepower, crucial in a tight race.

Key Match Statistics and Context

Manchester City enjoyed overwhelming possession and shots, though exact figures underscore their first-half blitz: three goals from limited second-half need. Fulham managed one notable chance, denied by Donnarumma, while City’s early pressure—Foden denied brilliantly in the 11th minute—set the tone.

• Goal Scorers: Semenyo (24′), O’Reilly (30′), Haaland (39′)
• Venue: Etihad Stadium, 7:30pm GMT kickoff
• Attendance/Weather: Rain-affected, but crowd energized by title push
• Lineup Notes: Foden starts, Haaland subbed at HT; Dias returns
• Implications: City three points behind Arsenal; Fulham struggle continues

Post-Match Reactions and Broader Impact

Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten record over Silva intact, his side delivered the “complete” showing promised, blending control with ruthlessness. Haaland’s milestone drew praise, equaling Bell’s legendary mark and fueling optimism for a sustained surge. Media hailed it as City “turning up the heat” on Arsenal, with highlights capturing the “glorious” O’Reilly strike and Haaland’s power.

Fulham’s woes deepen, their defense exposed despite ambitions for Europe, as City’s cruise keeps title dreams alive. This midweek thriller in Matchweek 26 positions City firmly back in contention, eyes on Arsenal’s response. The Etihad faithful departed soaked but satisfied, witnessing a statement win that echoes City’s pedigree.

Looking ahead, City’s schedule demands rotation, but this display—fueled by Semenyo’s form, O’Reilly’s promise, and Haaland’s class—signals readiness for the run-in. Fulham must regroup swiftly, their compliance a stark reminder of the gulf to top sides. In the Premier League’s unforgiving landscape, City’s first-half mastery proved decisive, reigniting the chase atop the table.