Manchester City v Fulham - Premier League
Erling Haaland was subbed off in Manchester City’s win (Picture: Getty)
Erling Haaland was subbed off at half-time during Manchester City’s comfortable Premier League win over Fulham.
Man City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just three points with a 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo continued the sensational start to his City career with the opener midway through the first half before Nico O’Reilly doubled the hosts’ lead.
Haaland was fouled by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen in the build-up to O’Reilly’s goal but brushed off the knock to add Man City’s third before the half-time break.
The Premier League top goalscorer did not remerge after the interval, however, with Pep Guardiola replacing him with Omar Marmoush.
Haaland’s absence concerned Manchester City fans and Guardiola confirmed in his post-match interview that he was forced into making a change.
Asked about his decision to take off Haaland, who now has 22 goals in the Premier League this season, Guardiola said: ‘It was a problem, a niggle, that’s why.
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Manchester City v Fulham - Premier League
Haaland scored before being taken off (Picture: Getty)
‘Niggle, he felt something uncomfortable. There’s so many games. I haven’t spoken to the doctors so I don’t know exactly what it is. I don’t know.
‘He said he didn’t feel comfortable so I took him out, it was common sense.’
Haaland will likely be given the weekend off as Manchester City put their Premier League title charge on hold and take on League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup.
A number of pundits claimed Man City kept their title hopes alive with an incredible comeback win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Guardiola’s side were heading to a damaging defeat at Anfield before Bernardo Silva and Haaland scored late goals in a stunning comeback.
The gap at the top of the Premier League is now just three points, although Arsenal will restore their six-point lead if they beat London rivals Brentford on Thursday.
More to follow…
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