IT was all set up to be a routine City victory.
Pep Guardiola's team bossed the possession from the off against a timid Fulham side, enjoying more than 75 per cent of the ball when they made their pressure tell in the 17th minute.
Ilkay Gundogan cut open the Cottagers with a ball slid through for Julian Alvarez to smash past Bernd Leno and set up a comfortable afternoon for the home team.
The only thing that could derail City was City themselves... and that is exactly what they did.
Nathan Ake failed to deal with a simple ball over the top and when Carlos Vinicius played in Harry Wilson in the box Joao Cancelo was inexplicably clumsy as he barged him to the floor to concede a penalty and earn a red card.
Cancelo was not great, and received an almighty rollocking from Guardiola as he left the pitch, but the greater fault lay in the collective team for allowing Cancelo - a man not known for world-class defending to be the last man: had no lessons been taken from defeat at Anfield?
This story is from the November 06, 2022 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 06, 2022 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?
PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.
Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture
UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.
'I want to make history at United'
AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.
Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose
NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.
