MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 5-1 FULHAM

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After a poor first half performance, Manchester City recovered to hit 5 past Marco Silva's Fulham, with talisman Erling Haaland scoring his first hattrick of the season.

The Blues, who were once again led by Juanma Lillo in Pep Guardiola's absence, looked surprisingly slow and lethargic in possession. Fulham were setting traps with their aggressive and organised pressing, which City were walking straight into.

However, with their first real attack of the game, City took the lead, as Julian Alvarez pounced on Haaland's cross to score his second Premier League goal of the season, and give City a lead that they didn't fully deserve.

After an error from the usually imperious Nathan Ake to see City concede a corner, Fulham capitalised on their chance, as veteran central defender Tim Ream ghosted in at the back post to follow up on Ederson's parry, to draw the Cottagers level.

Ake made amends just before the break, however, as his stooped header beat Bernd Leno in between the sticks from around the penalty spot. However, the Dutchman's first goal of the season will be remembered for the controversy surrounding it.

Manuel Akanji, who was standing in an offside position, appeared to block Leno's view, which impacted his ability to save Ake's header. Akanji also stepped over the ball at the last minute, which means Leno will have seen it late.

As Haaland admitted in his post match interview with beIn Sports, he'd have been very aggrieved if Fulham had scored that goal against City. However, it didn't have a huge impact, as City and Haaland dominated the second half.

The Norwegian got his first goal as he attacked the space behind the Fulham backline, and slotted home from Alvarez's pass.

The Argentinian forward was involved again a few minutes later, as drew a foul from Issa Diop inside the penalty area. Haaland made no mistake, unlike last week against Sheffield United, and dispatched his penalty kick.

City made changes at this point, taking off Alvarez, Rodri, Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic and debutant Jeremy Doku, as they tried to see off the result.

This enabled the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gomez and Oscar Bobb to get their first minute of the season, with each of them showing that they have the talent required to contribute to the City squad this season.

There was time for one more goal, as Haaland finished off a fine team move involving Bobb, Gomez and Rico Lewis, to score his 6th goal of the season, and complete his hattrick.

The main reason why City were so improved in the second half was due to a halftime tactical change. In the first half, Kyle Walker was playing super deep and narrow, with Akanji pushing up to support Rodri in midfield.

This wasn't a bad starting tactic, as both players are capable of playing that role. However, it meant Foden was shackled out wide, and Kovacic was higher up the pitch, meaning he had a limited number of touches of the ball.

In the second half, Akanji played as part of the back 3, with Walker pushing high and wide. Foden tucked inside next to Alvarez, and Kovacic supported Rodri in deeper positions.

It was overall a satisfactory performance from City. They were up against a good Fulham side, and it was refreshing to see a functioning front line of Alvarez, Foden and Haaland all at the top of their games.

City go into the international break with a flawless record, but that'll be tested in their first game back, as they face high flying West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Here are the player ratings for the 5-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium: Ederson - 6.5/10 - As per usual, the 30 year old had very little to do. There wasn't much he could do about the goal, but he made an excellent save from Raul Jimenez towards the end of the game, to prevent any chance of a late Fulham comeback.

Walker - 6.5/10 - Like many City players, Walker had a shaky first half, and a much improved second half. Playing in a more typical wingback role, Walker offered a threat down the right hand side with his pace and athleticism.

Akanji - 7/10 - Solid and dependable in the second half, when playing in a more familiar deep position. Made a few excellent tackles to prevent Fulham from breaking.

Dias - 6.5/10 - Very good in possession, even in the first half, but, unlike him, he occasionally found himself outmuscled and outmanoeuvred by Jimenez for Fulham.

Ake - 7/10 - He made a mistake which cost City a goal, but also scored City a goal with an excellent header. As well as that, he looked good from a defensive perspective, keeping Harry Wilson from offering anything creatively.

Rodri - 6.5/10 - By his incredibly high standards, Rodri had an under par game, giving the ball away a few times under no pressure. However, he was top notch defensively, and won the ball back a few times to stop Fulham attacking.

Alvarez - 8/10 - Like many of his teammates, Alvarez had a poor first half, despite getting himself on the scoresheet. However, in the second half, he linked up dangerously with his fellow attackers, and created two goals for Haaland.

Kovacic - 7.5/10 - The 29 year old was one of City's better players yesterday, as he has been in every game since his debut. Kovacic passed the ball well, and helped create City's first goal.

Doku - 6/10 - Showed glimpses of his obvious talent, but overall, took too many unnecessary risks on the ball, which is understandable, given it was his debut. The Belgian would benefit greatly in taking lessons from injured winger Jack Grealish, in knowing when and how to control the tempo of the game, in order for him to succeed at City.

Haaland - 9.5/10 - Simply sensational. Haaland showed once again why he's the best striker in the world, taking all 3 of his goals with the clinical efficiency of a man right at the top of his game.

Foden - 8.5/10 - The 23 year old was City's brightest spark in the first half, even when holding his width on the left and right flanks, and delivered the corner for Ake's goal. In the second half, when moved inside, Foden was involved in everything positive City did.

Substitutes:

Bernardo - 6.5/10 - Showed a few nice touches as the deepest lying midfielder, as he helped City see out the game.

Gomez - 7/10 - Positive cameo from the young Spaniard, who looks much better playing as a winger than a full back. Set Haaland up excellently, after brilliant play on the left wing.

Phillips - 6.5/10 - Offered himself for the ball a few times, which was a refreshing sign. |Other than that, there wasn't enough time for our number 4 to make an impact.

Bobb - Not enough time to rank

Lewis - Not enough time to rank.