Opener, set-piece equaliser, no offside goal: Man City v Fulham first-half controversy

Fulham, who held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in their last match, have visited the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City for the Premier League matchday four fixture.

However, things did not go their way after the first 45 minutes. The Sky Blues started the match pressing high but missed every early chance. It was in the 31st minute when Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock from Erling Haaland's cross to give his team the lead.

The visitors reacted quickly as Tim Ream netted the equaliser two minutes later. The American centre-back scored the leveller from inside the box from a set-piece after a corner-kick.

Just when it looked like the meeting was going to halft-time 1-1, Nathan Ake netted for Pep Guardiola's side. The Dutch defender headed home from a corner-kick taken by Phil Foden. His goal has created a lot of controversy at the Etihad Stadium as it was reviewed for offside.

Both Fulham coach Marco Silva and the players argued with the referee for his decision as they clearly saw offside. However, the VAR gave City's second goal as allowed.

 

September 2, 2023