Super Eagles trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze all started for Fulham as they were beaten 3–0 by Manchester City in a Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. The result leaves Marco Silva’s side still searching for consistency in the English top flight.
City raced into a commanding 3–0 lead inside the first 40 minutes with goals from Antoine Semenyo, Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland, leaving Fulham with too much to do in the second half.
Manchester City seized control early, with Semenyo opening the scoring in the 24th minute after Fulham failed to clear their lines. O’Reilly then capitalised on another opportunity to double the lead six minutes later. Haaland added a third before the break, completing a swift and decisive first-half performance for the hosts.
Fulham struggled to create clear chances, with City’s pressing and attacking quality limiting the visitors’ rhythm throughout the opening 45 minutes. Despite changes at half-time, Fulham were unable to reduce the deficit.
Calvin Bassey marshalled Fulham’s defence alongside his teammates but could not stop City’s attacking surge. Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze provided experience and energy in midfield and wide areas, yet Fulham’s guests could not find a breakthrough.
The defeat continues a difficult run for Fulham as they aim to climb away from the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Editorial
Wednesday’s defeat highlighted the gap between a title challenging side like Manchester City and a mid-table Fulham outfit still finding its best form. For the Nigerian trio, starting against a top-class opponent offers valuable experience, even if the result was disappointing. Facing high intensity football from the first whistle underscores the physical and tactical demands of elite Premier League competition.
For Fulham’s fans and coaching staff, this match may serve as a reminder that defensive solidity and sharper attacking ideas will be crucial in the coming weeks. Although the scoreline was one-sided, moments of organisation and effort from players like Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze showed there are building blocks to work with in training. As the league progresses, translating those performances into points will be essential in the fight for safety and stability.
Did You Know?
- Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze all started for Fulham in the 3–0 loss to Manchester City.
- Manchester City took a 3–0 lead by half-time with goals from Semenyo, O’Reilly and Haaland.
- Fulham have struggled for wins recently and are aiming to climb the Premier League standings.
- Erling Haaland’s goal was part of a strong attacking performance by City that maintained pressure on the Premier League title race.
- Bassey scored his first Premier League goal earlier in the season against Burnley.
