Africa-Press – Lesotho. Erling Haaland’s penalty and Ilkay Gundogan’s overhead kick gave Manchester City a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday, capping up their dismal season with a Champions League berth.
With 71 points from 38 games, the win guaranteed City’s third-place finish in the standings, their first finish outside the top two since the 2016–17 campaign.
With 54 points, Fulham came in 11th place. When Matheus Nunes’ chipped shot on the angle was clawed away by Fulham keeper Bernd Leno and into the path of Gundogan, who made an incredible acrobatic effort to drive the ball into the net off the crossbar, City took the lead at 21 minutes.
After Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench for the final five minutes as he bid City farewell, the visitors extended their lead when Sasa Lukic fouled Gundogan in the box and Haaland scored his 22nd league goal of the season from the penalty kick.
At the final whistle, De Bruyne spent time with the City supporters, many of whom held up signs of gratitude to the Belgian for his ten years at the club. Meanwhile, the visitors left Jack Grealish out of their match-day roster due to rumours that he may leave the team.
Because of his influence on the Premier League, Fulham supporters also gave him hearty acclaim.
While Fulham still had a slim chance of qualifying for the Conference League, City began the new season certain that a win would secure them a spot in the Champions League.
Gundogan’s well-taken opening goal calmed any City worries, but Fulham winger Adama Traore evaded the City offside trap and had a one-on-one chance with Ederson, but his terrible first touch cost him the opportunity.
The Brazilian goalie then produced a low save to his left, denying Harry Wilson. The rebound could only be sent into the side netting by Andreas Pereira.
Fulham tried to equalise through Wilson and Raul Jiminez on multiple occasions, but City won the game when they converted their penalty attempt.
The outcome made it possible for one of Pep Guardiola’s most difficult managerial seasons to conclude on a high note.
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