City finish disappointing campaign with a win

Fulham 0 - 2 Manchester City

Manchester City ended their Premier League season with a 2–0 win at Fulham, a result that confirmed third place and a return to the Champions League. 

The performance was composed and effective, yet the broader picture is one of a team that has fallen well short of its own lofty expectations.

Author | Macca

Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a superb bicycle kick after Bernd Leno could only push Matheus Nunes’ cross into his path. It was the midfielder’s first league goal of the season and came after 26 failed attempts. His timing was impeccable, even if the season as a whole has not been.

Fulham had moments. Harry Wilson drew a full-stretch save from Ederson and Andreas Pereira hit the side-netting on the rebound. But City rarely looked troubled. Josko Gvardiol was denied by Leno from close range before Erling Haaland added a second from the penalty spot, converting after Jorge Cuenca brought down Gundogan.

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This was City’s 18th consecutive victory over Fulham, and based on form and quality, few expected any other outcome. 

The real story lies in what has been a disappointing campaign by City’s own standards. They finished 13 points behind champions Liverpool and failed to win a major trophy for the first time since 2017.

A shift in focus for the club

The summer now looks pivotal. Kevin De Bruyne was introduced for the final five minutes and may have made his last appearance for the club. Jack Grealish was left out of the squad entirely and his future remains unclear. Gundogan, now 34, reminded everyone of his talent but his role next season is also uncertain.

Guardiola faces a significant rebuild. Despite ending the season on a 10-match unbeaten run, City lost 16 times in all competitions, their worst record since the 2008–09 season. They did lift the Community Shield in August but that will offer little consolation.

The focus now shifts to the Club World Cup in the United States, where City will face Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia on 18 June. There is little time for rest, and even less for reflection.

City remain a force, but after a season of stumbles, the pressure to respond will be considerable.