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Three Takeaways: Manchester City easily beat Fulham

By J.C. Gonzalez

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Ederson of Manchester City and Ruben Dias of Manchester City celebrate following their team's victory in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham at Etihad Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Manchester, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Ederson of Manchester City and Ruben Dias of Manchester City celebrate following their team's victory in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham at Etihad Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Manchester, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City were great for the second straight week in their 2-0 win over Fulham.

Manchester City were well and truly on top of Fulham as they created loads of chances and managed a 2-0 win over the West London club at the Etihad Stadium. After an inconsistent start to the season followed by a goalless draw in midweek against Porto, City showed up once again and got the three points required against a team they need to be beating.

1. Stones-Dias: First Choice Partnership?

With Aymeric Laporte fully fit, he has now missed three straight starts, which has been attributed by Pep Guardiola to the form of John Stones. Along with new signing Rúben Dias, who has been a rock at the back since his arrival in Manchester. What Pep Guardiola does in the upcoming Manchester Derby will be a real test, as Laporte has done nothing to suggest he should be dropped, but Stones has shown loyalty to the club and a willingness to fight for his place and has rewarded the team with excellent form.

2. Back Toward the Top

With the last two wins, City look back among the title favorites, at least for now. The team currently sit 6th and six points off the top with a game in hand on leaders Tottenham and Liverpool. Although they haven’t proven enough yet against top opposition to say that they should be favored over teams like the current top two, it is encouraging to no longer see the Citizens languishing in the bottom half.

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3. Derby Up Next

After a dead rubber in midweek where younger players can be given a chance along with squad rotation, City play arguably the biggest match of their season to this point: the Manchester Derby against rivals United at Old Trafford. City have not fared well against Big Six opposition this season, and with the Red Devils one spot above them, it’s all to play for in this one.