In a thrilling match during Match Week 7, Manchester City edged out Fulham with a 3-2 victory, although Fulham showed resilience and pushed the defending champions to their limits. The data paints a picture of a closely contested game where Fulham’s counter-attacking threat was evident, while City controlled much of the possession.
Key Stats:
xG (Expected Goals): Fulham led in xG with 2.39 compared to City’s 2.06, suggesting they created higher-quality chances despite fewer attempts.
Shots: City dominated the shot count with 19 attempts, but Fulham was more clinical with their 9 shots, making the most of their limited opportunities.
Match Momentum Analysis:
The match momentum graph indicates a back-and-forth game, with Fulham seizing key moments, especially in the latter stages. Andreas Pereira’s early strike with a 0.73 xG value highlighted Fulham’s threat on the break. However, City’s steady build-up play and patient approach allowed them to regain control in crucial periods, with Jérémy Doku and Mateo Kova?i? both contributing to City’s cumulative xG rise.
Shots and Goal Analysis:
Fulham’s shot map reveals that they maximized their chances from central areas, converting two of their shots on target into goals.
Manchester City, while creating more opportunities from various angles, was often frustrated by blocked shots and missed chances from outside the box.
Possession Tactics:
Fulham’s pass map shows a compact and direct style, focusing on quick transitions. Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira were instrumental in linking defense to attack, emphasizing their reliance on swift counters.
In contrast, City’s pass map displays a well-organized buildup through the midfield, with Rúben Dias, Ilkay Gündogan, and Mateo Kova?i? orchestrating the play from deeper positions. City’s passing network was fluid, utilizing both wings to stretch Fulham’s defense and create space for attackers like Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.
Manchester City’s methodical possession game eventually wore down Fulham’s resistance, but Fulham’s spirited fight and tactical discipline made it a closer contest than many expected. Fulham’s adaptability in possession and resilience against a dominant City side highlighted their potential to challenge stronger teams throughout the season.