match stats

manchester City 3

Sane (2), Silva (21), Sterling (47)

fulham 0

Pep Guardiola was delighted by returning Leroy Sane’s display after putting Manchester City on course for a comfortable win against Fulham.

The Premier League champions returned from the international break in style at the Etihad Stadium. Raheem Sterling wrapped up a 3-0 win shortly after half-time, with Fulham fortunate that David Silva was the only player able to add to Sane’s second-minute opener in a dominant first-half display.

It marked a scoring return to action for the Germany international and reigning PFA Young Player of the Year – a welcome boost after recent questions over the Germany international’s focus.

“We never – even in this period when he didn’t played – doubted Leroy’s quality,” said Guardiola after Sane’s first Premier League start of the season.

“He show us many times in the last years, especially last season, and today he played again so good.

“Sometimes he has to realise for himself, like a professional what he has to do – I am delighted for him.” Guardiola was understandably upbeat after seeing off Fulham with ease on an afternoon when man-ofthe-match Bernardo Silva acted as the puppet master. “It is almost impossible to be more pleased as a manager with him,” said Guardiola. “That’s why he deserves to play all the minutes he is playing. He is a good example for us.”

Fulham were relieved to see City take their foot off the gas in the second half, although the defeat means this is their second-worst start to a Premier League campaign. “We never want to lose the game,” said manager Slavisa Jokanovic. “It was never going to be an easy day for us.

“How we start the game, how we start the second half, it didn’t make it easy for ourselves fighting for something positive.

“At the end, the result is fair. They showed they are one of the best teams in the world.

“They showed great possession of the ball and great attacking weapons. They were fast, strong and played a good football game.

“We didn’t find our best level or our perfect level, and without this level at this place it is not easy.”