List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Roberto De Zerbi believes Brighton star Evan Ferguson can develop into one of Europe’s leading strikers after he became only the fourth teenager to hit a Premier League hat-trick. The 18-year-old joined late former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Chris Bart-Williams and ex-Liverpool strikers Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen on an exclusive list with a match-winning treble in Saturday evening’s thumping 3-1 success over Newcastle. Ferguson slotted home on the rebound to give Albion a first-half lead before bending home a superb second and then claiming the match ball with a deflected finish five minutes later. Seagulls boss De Zerbi feels the Republic of Ireland international offers far more than just a threat in front of goal and has potential to rival the game’s elite marksmen. “His improvement is important for him, for us, for his career because he’s working to complete his qualities, not only score, because he can become big, big, big,” said the Italian coach. “His qualities are enough to become a great player, one of the top scorers in Europe. “He’s (born in) 2004. I don’t know how many young players like Evan they score these goals in their careers.” Ferguson, who made his professional debut for Irish club Bohemians aged just 14, now has 10 top-flight goals in just 12 starts following a standout display at the Amex Stadium. His heroics capped a memorable week for Brighton in which they were drawn to face Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens in their maiden Europa League campaign and signed Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona. With the summer transfer window closing on Friday, the Seagulls are not in imminent danger of Ferguson being poached by a bigger club. Yet De Zerbi has no concerns about that eventually happening. “It’s normal for Brighton to sell players,” he said. “The most important thing for Brighton is not to keep the most important players but to find their replacement. This is the right work we have to do. “About Ferguson, I’m really delighted today but not for the goals. “OK, with his goals we can be happy now because we won the game but I’m really pleased for the performance, especially in the first half. “He played very well, he found the right position between the lines. Newcastle defended 4-4-1-1 and with 4-4 there is the open space to receive the ball for the striker. “He understood very well that position.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mathys Tel helps Bayern Munich come back and win at Borussia Monchengladbach Jack Draper silences New York crowd with four-set win over American Michael Mmoh Marco Silva says it should be ‘impossible’ to allow controversial Man City goal

Mathys Tel stole Harry Kane’s thunder as he came off the bench to head Bayern Munich to a hard-fought Bundesliga victory at Borussia Monchengladbach. Former Tottenham striker Kane failed to find the back of the net in the league for the first time in three starts for his new club on a night when they had to come from behind to win 2-1 at Borussia Park. Ko Itakura had headed the home side into a first-half lead, but an inspirational Leroy Sane levelled after the break to set the stage for Tel to win it at the death and preserve the reigning champions’ perfect start despite the heroics of debutant Monchengladbach keeper Moritz Nicolas. The visitors started strongly with Kane and Leon Goretzka threatening from a series of early corners and as the England captain forged a working partnership with Thomas Muller, it was they who looked the most likely to force their way ahead. They might have done just that had Sane managed to hit the target after running on to Muller’s pull-back, but he steered his effort wide. However, Monchengladbach served warning with 25 minutes gone when Marvin Friedrich’s header clipped Sven Ulreich’s crossbar, and it was the hosts who took the lead as the game reached the half-hour mark. Max Wober flicked on a right-wing corner at the near post and Itakura timed his jump to perfection to send a looping header back across Ulreich and inside the far post to spark wild celebrations in the stands. Ulreich denied Julian Weigl a second goal inside two minutes, but Bayern responded in determined fashion and it took a fine save by Nicolas to push Sane’s powerfully-struck effort on to his crossbar after Muller had unlocked the home defence. Nicolas once again intervened in timely fashion to prevent Kane from reaching Kingsley Coman’s whipped cross six minutes after the restart, and Itakura found himself in the right place at the right time to clear Goretzka’s header off the line after Coman had caused problems once again. Muller fired wide as Thomas Tuchel’s men started to turn the screw with Sane very much coming to the fore. The former Manchester City forward finally made the pressure tell with 59 minutes gone, collecting Joshua Kimmich’s clipped pass on his chest before scuffing a shot past the advancing keeper to level. Substitute Serge Gnabry had a glorious opportunity to put Bayern ahead when he met Kimmich’s 70th-minute free-kick with a firm header, but Nicolas stood tall to block with his shoulder, and he repeated the dose to deny Sane from point-blank range with nine minutes remaining, although an offside flag would have come to his rescue in any case. However, he was beaten for a second time with three minutes remaining when Tel met Kimmich’s corner with a fine downward header to win it. Nicolas produced another important save at the death to keep out substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s header with Kane unable to reach the rebound in time to maintain his goalscoring run. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jack Draper silences New York crowd with four-set win over American Michael Mmoh Marco Silva says it should be ‘impossible’ to allow controversial Man City goal Heather Knight defends team selection after heavy defeat for England Women

Fulham manager Marco Silva claims it should have been “impossible” to allow Manchester City’s controversial second goal to stand in his side’s 5-1 loss to the champions. The Cottagers had been holding their own against the treble winners at the Etihad Stadium when City went 2-1 ahead on the stroke of half-time with a Nathan Ake header. Fulham argued long and hard that City defender Manuel Akanji, stood in an offside position, had played at the ball and impacted goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Everyone that plays football, everyone that has played football, everyone that has some knowledge about football – I'm 100 per cent sure – has to disallow that goal. Fulham boss Marco Silva Despite a VAR review and further lengthy protests, the goal was given and City went on to win comfortably with a second-half hat-trick from the prolific Erling Haaland. Silva said: “The second half was not at the level that it should be. I tried to tell the players not to lose focus from things that we cannot control but, of course, that moment made a huge impact on them. “Even all the explanations that we listened to during that period didn’t make sense at all. “What I can say? Everyone that plays football, everyone that has played football, everyone that has some knowledge about football – I’m 100 per cent sure – has to disallow that goal. “Everyone has to be furious if a goal like that comes against you. For the linesman I believe that it can be difficult but, for the VAR, it is impossible not to disallow that goal. It is a clear offside.” Silva admitted Joao Palhinha had not been in the right frame of mind to play after his proposed deadline day move to Bayern Munich collapsed. Silva said: “It was a tough day for him, definitely, probably one of the toughest days of his life. “He loves Fulham, he loves football, he loves to be with us. He had the fantastic season last season and he’s always a player that gives 100 per cent for the shirt but he had a big chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world and he was really close. “You can imagine the impact that has on a football player when these type of things happen.” City were not at their best in the first half and saw their opening goal from Julian Alvarez quickly cancelled out by Tim Ream. Yet after the stormy end to the first half, they moved through the gears after the break with Haaland, scorer of 52 goals last season, coming to the fore. Assistant boss Juanma Lillo, who has won both of his matches in charge since manager Pep Guardiola underwent back surgery, said of the Norway striker: “This guy was born scoring goals and he’ll go through his whole life scoring goals, so it’ll be no surprise if he manages to get those same figures as last time. “But it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t as he’s great at providing play for the players. Today he made one assist and also put a ball through to another player. I’d always look at his intelligence as well as his goalscoring stats.” City midfielder Jack Grealish missed the game with a thigh injury and is now doubtful for England’s upcoming internationals against Ukraine and Scotland. Lillo said: “It would be difficult to be able to make it for the national team but I am not a doctor and it would be difficult for me to explain.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Heather Knight defends team selection after heavy defeat for England Women England expect to be fully fit for World Cup opener after Courtney Lawes fears Steve Cooper: Forest were spurred on at Chelsea by Old Trafford frustration

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. Get all the latest live football odds here.

Evan Ferguson hit his first career hat-trick as Brighton and Hove Albion capped a memorable week by inflicting a third successive Premier League defeat on Newcastle United with a thumping 3-1 success at the Amex Stadium. Teenage striker Ferguson curled home a superb second from range to add to a simple first-half finish before completing his treble with the aid of a hefty deflection off Fabian Schar. The 18-year-old’s heroics came a day after Albion were drawn to face Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens in their maiden Europa League campaign. Success for the Seagulls, who also pulled off a transfer coup on Friday by signing Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona, was a third from four this season following last weekend’s loss to West Ham. Newcastle were only beaten five times in the top flight during the whole of last term but were unable to halt their recent slide on the back of setbacks against Manchester City and Liverpool, despite Callum Wilson’s late consolation. Striker Alexander Isak wasted two early opportunities before the Magpies were blown away to temper the excitement following their mouthwatering Champions League draw. Eddie Howe’s men were on Thursday pitted against AC Milan, Paris St Germain and Borussia Dortmund in European football’s premier competition, while Brighton’s maiden continental campaign will also include heavyweight opposition. Newcastle began brighter from an attacking perspective and Isak twice threatened during a shaky start from the Seagulls. The Sweden striker was denied inside 55 seconds by Jan Paul van Hecke’s last-ditch tackle following Bruno Guimaraes’ fine through ball before shinning wastefully wide after Pervis Estupinan’s poor clearance led to Sandro Tonali cutting the ball back from the right. Brighton, who paraded 20-year-old Spain forward Fati and fellow new signing Carlos Baleba ahead of kick-off, were dominating possession. Yet Roberto De Zerbi’s hosts again escaped in the 16th minute when Miguel Almiron’s low cross from the right deflected off Lewis Dunk and was turned behind by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Newcastle were then punished for mistakes of their own 11 minutes later. Rushed clearances from keeper Nick Pope and midfielder Tonali led to the former spilling Billy Gilmour’s stinging effort and Ferguson was on hand to slot home the rebound. With his team still awaiting their first attempt on target, Howe brought on England striker Wilson as part of a triple substitution in the 58th minute. Isak’s pace remained a constant concern for the hosts but they soon secured breathing space courtesy of Ferguson’s magic. The Republic of Ireland international was afforded time and space deep inside Newcastle’s half and duly dispatched a fine curling effort into the bottom right corner from distance. Anthony Gordon wasted a golden opportunity to halve Newcastle’s deficit by sidefooting wide before Brighton put the result beyond doubt. Ferguson, who made his professional debut for Irish club Bohemians aged just 14, again took aim from outside the box, only this time his bending effort benefited from a significant flick of Schar to fly beyond the stranded Pope. The match-winner was withdrawn to a standing ovation nine minutes from time after making it 10 Premier League goal in just 12 starts. In spite of the scoreline, Newcastle’s sold-out following continued to vocally back their side. They were given scant reward on a punishing evening two minutes into added time when substitute Wilson burst forward and escaped Van Hecke to poke home. Read More Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk charged by FA after red card at Newcastle Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle’s dramatic defeat by Liverpool Jurgen Klopp calls 10-man Liverpool’s win at Newcastle ‘rare and super-special’ Erling Haaland on fire again for Man City and Tottenham continue fine start Marco Silva says it should be ‘impossible’ to allow controversial Man City goal Steve Cooper: Forest were spurred on at Chelsea by Old Trafford frustration

Mississippi State pays tribute to its former head coach Mike Leach ahead of the Bulldogs' first home game in Starkville since his tragic passing late last year.

Ange Postecoglou promised there is still more to come from his Tottenham side after Son Heung-min’s hat-trick helped them demolish Burnley 5-2. Coming off the disappointment of a midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham, there was more bad news for Spurs when they fell behind to Lyle Foster’s fourth-minute goal but Postecoglou was delighted with the way his side responded. Son got the equaliser in the 16th minute and Spurs then punished mistakes at the back from Burnley as Cristian Romero and James Maddison put them in charge, before Son scored twice in four minutes just after the hour for his first hat-trick since September 17 last year. Josh Brownhill’s late consolation goal did nothing to dent a victory which gives Spurs 10 points from their first four league games under Postecoglou, with the mood around the club changed markedly following the Australian’s arrival. Asked if Son’s performance showed how Spurs can cope without the departed Harry Kane, Postecoglou said: “No, it’s not exactly why but it’s one of the reasons. I’ve got a picture in my head about what I want the team to look like and I keep saying we’re still at the beginning of it. “We’re still building and there’s a lot to be done. It’s about putting all the pieces together. There are some really good footballers in this club and they have the ability to play in the way this team needs to set up. “Sonny, whether he’s playing central or right, he’s got all the characteristics to play the way we want to play.” While Son’s goals took the headlines, Maddison was also integral to their performance as he exploited every gap afforded him by Burnley, with his goal early in the second half heading off any threat of a comeback from the hosts. “I thought today was a real testament to Sonny, Madders and Romero, the way they embraced that responsibility not just with words but with actions and not just on game day but on a daily basis,” Postecoglou said. “That’s as encouraging for me as anything because as good as they are individually, they have that team spirit and that’s important for me. Madders is so creative and today he showed how clinical he is in front of goal and his preparedness to work hard for the team is a great example.” Defeat leaves Burnley without a point after their opening three Premier League games, all at home with a total of 11 goals conceded to Manchester City, Aston Villa and Spurs combined. But Vincent Kompany said it was not a reality check for him as he insisted he did not need one. “I spent 11 years of my life in the Premier League and I have a pretty good understanding of what the level is,” he said. “I don’t think anyone is naive going into this division. “We know it’s a challenge and if you look at the total amount of points the promoted teams have got this season (one, from a combined 10 games) you realise that every game is going to be tough.” After a bright start, Burnley were guilty of giving the ball away too many times in their own final third, inviting pressure from Tottenham that soon told. “It’s not something I’m happy about but I always think it’s easier to solve the defensive side than to solve a lack of chance in the team. I think we’re creating chances at a very high level against Villa and City and then today against Tottenham. “It’s something we have to keep in our game. Obviously we need to become more solid but that’s something you can work on and our team still has a lot of improvement in it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Oliver Townend keeps heat on leader Tim Price as he chases third Burghley title Arbroath edge out Ayr for second straight win Erling Haaland on fire again for Man City and Tottenham continue fine start

Steve Cooper said his Nottingham Forest players used the “belief and frustration” from their narrow defeat at Old Trafford to steer them to a surprise win at Chelsea. Anthony Elanga hit the only goal of the game early in the second half, making the most of Moises Caicedo losing possession as Forest secured a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Having already suffered close defeats at Arsenal and Manchester United in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, a win in west London would have pleased Cooper. Asked if the belief from the performance at United had helped his players heading into the game at Chelsea, he replied: “Yes, I definitely think that – and also the frustration. “We took that into the week and the guys spoke quite passionately in the dressing room after the (United) game and I reminded them of what some of them said in the build-up to this one and fair play to them, they took that into today. “We knew it was going to be the type of game that it was – you don’t come here to plan to dominate possession and have chance after chance, but if you do certain things well you can create chances and keep a clean sheet. That is how it unfolded.” Cooper reserved special praise for Joe Worrall, the Forest captain putting in a fine display just days after the death of his police officer uncle. “He’s been incredible,” Cooper said of his skipper. “I personally have known what was going on before it came to public (knowledge) and he’s put his family second for the football club. “I think the club has helped them in terms of giving them a bit of a release and the guys just showed him a huge amount of respect in the dressing room after what he’s been through. “I cannot speak highly enough of the man that he’s been over the last week or so. I know how important today will be for him and it will give him and his family some respite because nothing can really make what happened any better, but at least it gives them some nice feelings.” Defeat for Chelsea means they have won just one of their first four league games under Mauricio Pochettino. The head coach stuck with the same starting XI that beat Luton last time out in the Premier League but was also able to turn to Noni Madueke, new signing Cole Palmer, Ian Maatsen and Mykhailo Mudryk off the bench as Chelsea searched in vain for an equaliser. “We were not clinical in both areas,” Pochettino said of the Chelsea performance. “We made a mistake and then we created opportunities, but if you don’t score it is difficult to win games. This type of game I think will help us to be more mature, it is not only about having quality, it is also about competing in different ways. “Of course we can’t say that we didn’t deserve more, but in football the stats sometimes reflect what you do and in that case we created but we didn’t score and we only had a few shots on target. “We are building something and it is always up and down. We are unlucky because I think we deserved more against West Ham and today – but I have said before, it is only a matter of time.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Tottenham ‘still at the beginning’ despite Burnley rout – Ange Postecoglou Oliver Townend keeps heat on leader Tim Price as he chases third Burghley title Arbroath edge out Ayr for second straight win

Jude Bellingham’s late goal kept Real Madrid’s winning streak alive after they beat Getafe 2-1 at the Bernabeu. The visitors took the lead in the early stages of the game through Borja Mayoral before Joselu levelled after the break. With the game heading towards a draw, England midfielder Bellingham continued his fine start to life in the Spanish capital with a late winner on his first appearance at the Bernabeu. The three points see Real remain top of LaLiga’s table regardless of the weekend’s remaining results, while Getafe drop to 13th. Prior to the game, the Madrid members of Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team were welcomed onto the pitch at the newly-renovated Bernabeu with a guard of honour from both sides. However, the hosts got off to a poor start when Getafe took the lead 11 minutes in through Mayoral. The former Real forward capitalised on a poor back-pass to break forward and slot the ball past Kepa. Rodrygo had a chance just minutes later, firing a shot over the bar, and Madrid were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute when Bellingham was fouled in the area, but VAR overruled the decision. David Soria was forced to make a great save from Luka Modric’s diving header, tipping his effort over the bar. Joselu sliced an effort wide and the forward had another great opportunity to level but Soria saved again. Joselu found the net two minutes into the second half to equalise after Getafe were unable to clear the ball and the Spain international smashed the ball home first-time. Substitute Toni Kroos then had an excellent opportunity to double the hosts’ lead, but his shot thundered off the post and Dani Carvajal was subsequently denied by the woodwork. Soria stepped in again to make saves from Joselu and Rodrygo, but Bellingham continued his stunning start in the Spanish capital with a last-minute winner. The 20-year-old took advantage after Soria spilled the ball to roll it into the bottom corner, scoring his fifth league goal of the season since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Read More Bellingham named LaLiga player of the month after four goals in three games Declan Rice is type of player everyone is looking for – Palace boss Roy Hodgson Jude Bellingham double maintains Real Madrid’s winning start to LaLiga campaign Brighton & Hove Albion vs Newcastle United LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Arbroath edge out Ayr for second straight win Son scores hat-trick as Tottenham come from behind to thrash Burnley

Erling Haaland fired another hat-trick as Manchester City maintained their 100 per cent Premier League start with a 5-1 home victory over Fulham. City, who made it four straight league wins, took a first-half lead through Julian Alvarez and although Tim Ream levelled for the Cottagers, Nathan Ake headed the defending champions into a half-time lead. Haaland notched his first just before the hour-mark and converted from the penalty spot after Issa Diop’s push on Alvarez before adding his third – his sixth of the season – in time added on. Former Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga’s first Premier League goal in 19 months secured Nottingham Forest a surprise 1-0 win at Chelsea. Elanga scored the only goal early in the second half as Chelsea slipped to their second league defeat of the season. Son Heung-min netted a hat-trick as Tottenham extended their unbeaten league start by thrashing Burnley 5-2 at Turf Moor. Lyle Foster gave Burnley an early lead before Son and Cristian Romero put Tottenham 2-1 up at the break. James Maddison extended Tottenham’s lead with his second goal of the season and Son struck twice in three minutes just after the hour-mark. Josh Brownhill’s stoppage-time effort came too late for the Clarets. Bryan Mbeumo’s stoppage-time equaliser clinched Brentford a 2-2 home draw against Bournemouth. Dominic Solanke cancelled out Mathias Jensen’s early free-kick for the Bees and after David Brooks had fired the Cherries into a second-half lead, Mbeumo struck in the third minute of added time. Sheffield United and Everton both notched their first point of the season after drawing 2-2 at Bramall Lane in the lunchtime kick-off. Cameron Archer struck on his league debut for the Blades to cancel out Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first-half opener and after falling behind to Jordan Pickford’s own goal, Arnaut Danjuma levelled it up for Everton. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

An added-time goal from Bryan Mbeumo gave Brentford a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League. An early goal from Mathias Jansen was cancelled out by the visitors’ Dominic Solanke and David Brooks, before Mbeumo struck at the end to give Thomas Frank’s men a point. Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth picked up their first away point of the season but will feel hard done by after a positive display at Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford piled on the pressure early on and Cherries goalkeeper Neto rushed out of his box and brought down last week’s scorer Kevin Schade to give the hosts an opportunity from a free-kick. And the hosts converted their opportunity and took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. Jensen looked set to cross the ball into the box but his quick thinking saw the Dane shoot at Neto’s near post, the Brazilian scrambled in an attempt to keep out the effort but VAR ruled the ball had crossed the line. The Cherries sought a leveller through Ryan Christie in the 18th minute. The Scot slalomed his way through red and white shirts but his run was bizarrely intercepted by team-mate Solanke before he could test Mark Flekken from yards out. And, testament to Frank’s fast-paced football, Brentford instantly responded through Vitaly Janelt who picked out Schade, who was only prevented from doubling the lead by a post. The end-to-end nature of the game continued in the 30th minute as the Cherries levelled through Solanke. Marcos Senesi returned to Iraola’s starting XI and the Argentinian’s curved through-ball found the composed Solanke, who beat his marker before finishing in front of the away fans. Frank’s decision to proceed with a back-four for a third consecutive league game paid dividends as midfielders Jensen, Janelt and Christian Norgaard held the lion’s share of first-half possession in a frantic match. The hosts were quick out of the traps in the second half when Rico Henry gambled on the loose ball and expertly picked out the dangerous Mbeumo, who fluffed a golden chance to retake the lead when he shanked his effort wide. Henry started a similar move in the 59th minute but Yoane Wissa’s missed shot was a reminder of how much Brentford needed the suspended Ivan Toney, on a day when they were starting to rue missed chances as Bournemouth gained momentum. Flying full-back Henry’s 74th-minute corner found the head of Norgaard, who forced a stretched save from Neto. Henry’s loose backpass was cruelly intercepted by the visitors three minutes later and, after some neat play in the area, Brooks scored for a second successive game to give Bournemouth a 2-1 advantage. The home crowd demanded a response and they got it in added time through winger Mbeumo, who was the first to react to Nathan Collins’ long ball, earning the hosts a point. Read More Erling Haaland on fire again for Man City and Tottenham continue fine start Bournemouth substitute Ryan Christie nets stoppage-time winner at Swansea James Maddison and new-look Tottenham impress in win at Bournemouth Football rumours: Manchester City’s bid for Lucas Paqueta set to crumble Jurgen Klopp to consider appeal against Alexis Mac Allister’s red card Chelsea shocked by Nottingham Forest as Elanga nets winner

Erling Haaland grabbed a second-half hat-trick as Champions Manchester City maintained their 100 per cent Premier League start with a stormy but ultimately comfortable 5-1 win over Fulham. The prolific Norwegian came to the fore to wrap up victory after Fulham had left the field at the Etihad Stadium fuming at half-time over a highly-contentious goal from Nathan Ake. Ake had put City back ahead after Tim Ream had quickly cancelled out Julian Alvarez’s opener. Fulham complained vociferously that Ake’s goal was allowed to stand as Manuel Akanji, stood in an offside position, had appeared to play at the ball. City, and notably Haaland, put those issues aside with a confident display after the break, securing another win for absent manager Pep Guardiola, who continues to recuperate following back surgery. The game began in sedate fashion, with not a hint of the controversy that was to flare up later. City, missing Jack Grealish due to a thigh injury, were unusually sloppy in possession and Fulham were without the drive of Joao Palhinha following the collapse of his deadline day move to Bayern Munich. The visitors suffered a further blow as captain Tom Cairney was forced off injured with just 16 minutes gone. City came to life when Phil Foden, who started in Grealish’s berth on the left, switched flanks with debutant Jeremy Doku. Foden opened up the defence by playing a one-two with Akanji and weaving his way into the area but his ball across goal was cleared by Issa Diop. They claimed the lead just after the half-hour mark as Haaland raced onto a Mateo Kovacic pass and swiped the ball across the area for Alvarez to stab home. The advantage lasted just two minutes as Fulham grabbed a quick equaliser. Raul Jimenez lashed a shot at goal from a corner and, after a touch by Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Ederson could only parry. Ream pounced for a tap-in at the far post. City regained the advantage in controversial circumstances in first-half injury time. The hosts won a corner when Diop just managed to get a head to a delicate cross from Foden that seemed destined for Haaland. The goal came from the resulting set-piece as Ake, stationed near the penalty spot, planted a firm header into the bottom corner. Fulham argued that Akanji’s movements had impacted goalkeeper Bernd Leno and their protests were long and hard, even continuing after a VAR review had concluded the goal should stand. Manager Marco Silva was furious on the touchline and the players were still disputing the decision after the ball had been placed in the centre circle for the restart. Referee Michael Oliver did not back down and, not for the first time this season, Silva was shown the yellow card. The stormy end to the first half appeared to take its toll on Fulham as City moved through the gears in the second period. Haaland made it 3-1 just before the hour with a clinical low finish after Alvarez put him through on goal with a quick flick from a long Rodri pass. The striker was then given the chance to add another when City were awarded a penalty soon after for a clumsy challenge on Alvarez by Diop. Haaland struck the post with his last spot-kick against Sheffield United last week but this time he made no mistake. He completed his treble injury time as he turned home following good work by substitute Sergio Gomez. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Erling Haaland on fire again for Man City and Tottenham continue fine start Dagenham stroll to third straight victory with win over Fylde Sean Dyche pleased to see Jordan Pickford prove his credentials