NO CHANGING Pep on course to retain title OF THE GVARD
JOSKO GVARDIOL, with a little help from Phil Foden, ensured the destiny of the Premier League remains very much in Manchester City’s hands. Yes, yesterday’s trip to scorching Southwest London eventually proved a stroll in the sunshine for Pep Guardiola’s champions as their pursuit of a record fourth title in a row continued.
And it was deadly defensive hotshot Gvardiol, maintaining his extraordinary streak in front of goal, who was once again pivotal to City’s success.
The £77million Croatian was on target twice to take his tally to five in the last seven games. In between England ace Foden fired in his 25th of a truly sensational season.
That was always enough to make it eight consecutive league wins for Guardiola’s seemingly unstoppable outfit – long before sub Julian Alvarez won and scored a late penalty.
They are now two points clear of Arsenal with two games to go – at Tottenham on Tuesday, then at home towest Ham next Sunday.
Maximum points and the first part of a third domestic league and cup Double for Guardiola is in the bag.
Last month Fulham boss Marco Silva promised there would be no let-up from his side, even though they had nothing left to play for.
Well, three weeks later they kicked off looking for a first win in four – and a first in 16 against these
opponents. No wonder Mikel
Arteta said he would be training rather than watching the game.
A sunbaked lunchtime on the river, clear sky blue above, provided a fitting scene to welcome Pep’s heavyweights.
Would it become cloudier for City? Only time would tell but the opening skirmishes certainly gave belief to the possibility.
Twice inside the opening three minutes,andreas Pereira and Antonee Robinson overlapped along the left but failed to produce a decent delivery.
One sensed City’s slow start was more about sizing up the challenge than being under the cosh.and so it proved as they broke the deadlock with their first meaningful attack on 13 minutes.
Gvardiol collected possession from Nathan Ake – who soon hobbled off injured – then continued into the area after feeding Kevin De Bruyne.wise idea as his skipper picked out the left-back with an exquisite first-time return, allowing Gvardiol time and space to control and calmly fire inside the near post.
If typically ruthless on that occasion, there were several times in the first half when City were wasteful when poised to snatch a second.
Erling Haaland hooked over, while Bernardo Silva and Foden both fired straight at Bernd Leno. However, on 59 minutes that killer goal in the contest arrived.
Silva sped into the area and when the ball ran loose to Foden, there was only one conclusion – the ball rocketed into the back of net.
Gvardiol (right) grabbed his second at the far post before Alvarez cut Arsenal’s goal difference advantage to two after being fouled by Issa Diop, who received a second yellow card.