Manchester City wrapped up a challenging Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, clinching third place and a return to the Champions League.
The reigning champions entered the campaign aiming for a fifth consecutive league title but instead endured a rare trophyless season, finishing 13 points behind champions Liverpool.
It’s the first time City have failed to win major silverware since 2017, despite lifting the Community Shield in August.
City started strongly and took a deserved lead in the 21st minute through a moment of brilliance from Ilkay Gundogan.
The 34-year-old midfielder, without a league goal all season, executed a spectacular bicycle kick after Bernd Leno deflected Matheus Nunes’ cross into his path—his first Premier League goal of the campaign and only his third in all competitions.
Fulham responded with flashes of threat, most notably when Harry Wilson’s curling effort forced a full-stretch save from Ederson, and Andreas Pereira sent the rebound into the side-netting. However, City soon regained control.
Josko Gvardiol was denied by Leno from close range before Erling Haaland doubled City’s lead from the penalty spot after Jorge Cuenca fouled Gundogan in the box.
Fulham, who have now suffered 10 defeats since January, ended the season in 12th place.
The match made Premier League history as only the third fixture without a single English starter—joining Portsmouth vs Arsenal (2009) and Arsenal vs Chelsea (2019).
City’s late-season form ensured they held off rivals for a top-three finish, closing the campaign with a 10-match unbeaten run.
Despite losing 16 games across all competitions—their highest tally since 2008-09—Pep Guardiola’s side ultimately secured their place in Europe’s top competition.
Change appears imminent at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne came on for the final five minutes, potentially his farewell appearance for the club, while Jack Grealish’s omission from the matchday squad has fueled speculation about his future.
Gundogan’s stunning goal provided a fitting end to an underwhelming season by City’s lofty standards, as Guardiola prepares for what could be a significant summer rebuild.
Next up for City is the newly expanded Club World Cup in the United States, where they will face Moroccan side Wydad AC in their opening match on June 18 in Philadelphia.
