Manchester City continued their winning momentum following a dramatic victory over Liverpool by delivering a commanding 3-0 performance against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, February 12, 2026, early WIB. The result brings Pep Guardiola’s side to just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, intensifying the title race.
City’s Early Dominance
Under a steady Manchester rain, City displayed sharpness and urgency from the first whistle. The home team pressed relentlessly and created multiple dangerous opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock.
The opener came from the instinctive play of winger Antoine Semenyo. Capitalizing on a loose ball inside the six-yard box, Semenyo reacted quickly and slotted it past Bernd Leno to give City an early advantage. Semenyo then played a crucial role in the second goal, delivering a clever pass to Nico O’Reilly, who calmly chipped the ball from a tight angle to double the lead.
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland completed the first-half scoring. Receiving a precise pass from Phil Foden, Haaland fired a low shot that Leno could not reach, sealing a comfortable three-goal cushion before halftime.
Haaland Subbed Due to Injury
Despite his goal-scoring brilliance, Haaland endured a knock from Joachim Andersen during the build-up to the second goal and appeared uncomfortable. Although he managed to score, Guardiola substituted him at halftime, bringing on Omar Marmoush as a precautionary measure. The team will hope that the striker recovers quickly, as his presence remains central to City’s attacking threat.
The Second-Half Slowdown
As has been observed in several recent matches, City’s intensity dipped significantly after the break. The fluidity of their passing slowed, and attacking threats diminished compared to the first half. However, unlike past games where City’s second-half lapses led to points being dropped, this time they maintained control and did not concede.
Fulham struggled to test Ederson in goal, and City’s defense, marshaled effectively by Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, remained solid. The match ended with the Reds of Manchester securing three clean-sheet points, reminiscent of their 2-0 win over Wolves in late January, where second-half lethargy was managed more efficiently.
Nico O’Reilly Shines
One of the standout performers was 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly. Trusted again to feature in City’s 4-2-2-2 setup, he partnered in the middle with Rodri and Bernardo Silva, showcasing his growing influence in midfield.
Previously, O’Reilly had been deployed as an emergency left-back despite being an attacking midfielder by trade. Guardiola even considered converting him into a defensive midfielder. Now, O’Reilly appears to have found his ideal role. His delicate chip goal against Fulham highlighted his offensive quality and composure in high-pressure situations.
While he made a few passing errors during transitional moments, O’Reilly’s combination of height, physicality, and tactical intelligence was evident. Competing with established talents like Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, the youngster is beginning to stake his claim as a long-term option in City’s midfield plans.
Implications for the Title Race
This emphatic win brings Manchester City closer to Arsenal at the top of the table, intensifying the Premier League title race. The three-point gain not only boosts morale but also puts psychological pressure on the Gunners, who must respond in their upcoming fixtures to maintain their lead.
City’s success was built on first-half dominance, clinical finishing, and maintaining defensive stability in the second half. Guardiola’s management of the squad, particularly regarding Haaland’s injury and the integration of younger talents like O’Reilly, demonstrates the depth and adaptability of the squad.
Looking Ahead
Manchester City will next face Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend before returning to Premier League action against Newcastle United seven days later. Maintaining consistency over the full 90 minutes and ensuring Haaland’s fitness will be crucial as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.
The Etihad victory reinforces City’s status as serious title contenders, with key players stepping up at crucial moments. Their ability to manage the game’s tempo, combined with precision in the final third, highlights why they remain among the league’s most formidable teams.
City’s Position in the Premier League
With just three points separating them from leaders Arsenal, Manchester City has sent a clear signal: they are ready to challenge until the very end. If they can sustain intensity, manage injuries, and capitalize on both home and away matches, the race for the Premier League crown remains wide open.
The performance against Fulham also underlines the importance of squad depth. Guardiola’s rotation, tactical flexibility, and integration of young talents like O’Reilly provide a blueprint for enduring success throughout the demanding season.
Erling Haaland’s early-season brilliance combined with contributions from Semenyo, O’Reilly, and Foden illustrates the attacking variety at City’s disposal. As Arsenal and other rivals face mounting pressure, Manchester City is poised to make their mark in the race for domestic glory.
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