Manchester City ended third in the Premier League and secured a ticket for next season’s Champions League with a 2-0 triumph over Fulham in the top flight match at Craven Cottage on Sunday 25 May, 2025.
Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, came off the bench to make his last appearance for the Cityzens, however, Englishman, Jack Grealish, was left out of the squad amid speculation he might part ways with the club this summer. Pep Guardiola clarified it was due to “selection” and “nothing personal”.
Ilkay Gundogan performed brilliantly in the six-yard box during the first 45 minutes, after Matheus Nunes’ effort was saved, adjusting quickly to send an overhead kick in off the underside of the crossbar to give City a deserved lead in the 21st minute.
Norwegian striker, Erling Braut Haaland, then added the second for the visitors in the 72nd minute from the penalty spot after Gundogan was fouled. Omar Marmoush was on the pitch at the time but wasn’t given the ball by Ruben Dias after his FA Cup final miss.
City didn’t have it all their own way having taken control in the opening 25 minutes as goalkeeper, Ederson, was forced to make two saves from Harry Wilson and Tom Cairney.
In his post-victory comments, Guardiola said: “We started really well. It was in our hands and we did our job. It’s been a tough year but we never gave up. If that had happened, we wouldn’t be in that position. I’m very proud and pleased for the team.”
Premier League 2024/25 – Sunday 25 May, 2025 |
| AFC Bournemouth 2-0 Leicester City |
| Fulham 0-2 Manchester City |
| Ipswich Town 1-3 West Ham United |
| Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace |
| Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa |
| Newcastle United 0-1 Everton |
| Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea |
| Southampton 1-2 Arsenal |
| Tottenham Hotspur 1-4 Brighton |
| Wolves 1-1 Brentford |
On his Uefa Champions League 2025/26 qualification:
He said: “It’s like a title. We continued and continued. Playing good, bad, it didn’t matter we were there. And in the end, we did it. We finished third and not miles away from Arsenal who are a top side. The distance to Liverpool is huge and we have to improve. Hopefully, we can do it.”
Photo: X/@ManCity
