Man City close in on Liverpool, Fulham burst Man Utd bubble

MANCHESTER :Manchester City cut Liverpool's lead in the Premier League title race to one point as they eked out a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday but neighbours Manchester United had their bubble burst by Fulham at Old Trafford.

Phil Foden's ninth league goal of the season proved enough for champions City to close in on Liverpool although it was not the usual slick display by Pep Guardiola's side.

Fulham won away at United for the first time in more than 20 years with Alex Iwobi's stoppage-time goal earning them a surprise 2-1 victory to dent United's top-four hopes.

United's first loss in six league games left them eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, who bolstered their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League with a 4-2 home victory against struggling Nottingham Forest.

Crystal Palace gave new manager Oliver Glasner a dream start with a 3-0 win over 10-man Burnley to ease their relegation fears and push their opponents closer to the drop.

Everton were denied a vital victory in their survival battle as Lewis Dunk headed a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for 10-man Brighton and Hove Albion.

City once again displayed their knack of winning matches in the heat of a title race without being at their best.

Foden struck the only goal in the 21st minute as he coolly slotted in after Erling Haaland's shot had been saved by Neto.

"The players surprise me every time, the character, always competitive when they are tired," Guardiola said after his side's unbeaten league run stretched to 11.

"Winning 0-5 is not a reality. Hopefully we can have a week off soon to rest the legs."

While City are eyeing a fourth successive league title, United's problems re-surfaced at Old Trafford.

Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe