Erling Haaland upstaged as Man City send reminder to their critics

Who needs Kevin De Bruyne?

Manchester City and just about every other team in the world do, but it is some substitute for Pep Guardiola when he can replace his injured Belgian star with Julian Alvarez. The World Cup winner enjoyed his biggest contribution yet in a City shirt, upstaging a record-equalling Erling Haaland for the first time to ensure the Blues left Craven Cottage with three points.

You could be forgiven for thinking City had already won not just the league but the Treble based on some of the post-Arsenal coverage ahead of this game, an earlier coronation than King Charles. Such silliness not only failed to take in the strength of teams such as Arsenal, United, and Real Madrid but also the lasting strength of the Premier League.

Also read: Man City player ratings as Julian Alvarez scores wonder goal

The competition loves to boast about it being the toughest in the world, and when even a Fulham side without their best striker and without anything to play for can still trouble the supposed champions-elite the marketing department can rest easy. This was no stroll by the Thames for City.

It certainly looked like it would be when the visitors took the lead after just three minutes. The defending was woeful as a long diagonal from Kyle Walker found Jack Grealish, whose cross was tapped back by Riyad Mahrez towards Alvarez just before he was clumsily clattered into by Fulham captain Tim Ream.

Mahrez took the last City penalty but it was Haaland who stepped up here, coolly planting home goal number 50 for the season and his 34th in the league that sees him equal the all-time competition record. He can score goals with his hair up, after all.

Hugh Grant was among the crowd watching his beloved Fulham but it