Manchester City moved ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a dominant 4-0 win over Fulham, with Josko Gvardiol scoring twice at Craven Cottage.

Pep Guardiola's champions knew a victory in Saturday's early kick-off would pile the pressure on Arsenal ahead of their trip to Manchester United on Sunday, and they made no mistake.

Gvardiol scored in both halves to make it five goals in his last seven matches across all competitions, while EA SPORTS Player of the Season candidate Phil Foden registered his 25th goal of the campaign as City ate into Arsenal's superior goal difference.

Julian Alvarez added a late fourth from the penalty spot after Issa Diop received his second yellow card, and City know two further victories over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday and West Ham United a week on Sunday will secure the title.

Fulham, meanwhile, stay 13th with 44 points, their winless run stretching to four matches.

How the match unfolded

The hosts’ energetic start quickly fell flat when City struck from their first real attack 13 minutes in, Gvardiol driving inside from the left to exchange passes with Kevin De Bruyne before skipping past Issa Diop and stroking his finish into the bottom-left corner.

Marco Silva cut an animated figure as City smothered their hosts from then on, with Foden testing Bernd Leno from range.

The champions should have had a second on the stroke of half-time as De Bruyne's wonderful cross found Manuel Akanji totally unmarked at the far post. However, rather using his head, the centre-back sent an awkward volley spinning over the crossbar. 

Fulham very briefly improved after introducing Adama Traore at the break, but they were hit with a sucker punch just before the hour as Joao Palhinha's tackle on Bernardo Silva sent the ball straight to Foden, who drilled home on his weaker right foot.

Erling Haaland completely miscued his shot when played through by De Bruyne shortly afterwards, but Gvardiol grabbed his second goal with 19 minutes to play.

Silva curled a cross to the far post, where Gvardiol stretched to prod his shot under Leno.

In celebration the Man City away fans began the Poznan but Oasis star Noel Gallagher refused to join in.

Leno then made a strong save to keep out Jeremy Doku's long-range strike. 

However, Fulham did concede a fourth deep into stoppage time, with Diop's reckless lunge on Alvarez earning him his second caution and allowing the Argentinian to tuck home from the spot.

Club reports

Fulham report | Man City report

Match officials

Referee: Anthony Taylor. Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn. Fourth official: Keith Stroud. VAR: David Coote. Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.