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#3 Fulham produce a better display in the second half
Fulham went behind just five minutes after kick-off, with Raheem Sterling providing Manchester City the lead which they never relinquished.
The Cottagers went on the defensive, and that allowed Manchester City to press even higher. This high press kept the ball in Fulham's half for the majority of the first half, and Manchester City's faultless passing in the final third helped them earn a penalty through Sterling, who made the most of Joachim Andersen's challenge.
De Bruyne doubled Manchester City's lead in the 25th minute as the hosts finished the half with a staggering 75% possession.
In the second half, Fulham improved and kept a tight formation, put in the tackles and also tested the Manchester City defence at times. However, Areola made a couple of crucial saves that kept Fulham in the game, but a lack of goals eventually proved to be their undoing.
#2 Manchester City keep their fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions
Manchester City's defence has been their Achilles' heel this season, with City conceding 11 goals in ten Premier League games. However, things look to be back in control as Manchester City produced a fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
The addition of Ruben Dias has led to a significant improvement in Manchester City's performances in the defensive third. Joao Cancelo and Ferland Mendy have also been impressive in their recent outings for City, keeping their tendency to surge forward in check.
With Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan also stepping up to help out in defence, Guardiola would hope that he does not have to contend with new injuries.
#1 Manchester City lack urgency in the second half
After their blistering start to the game, Manchester City eased off against Fulham, as they did not exhibit the same urgency after the break.
As opposed to ten attempts in the first 45 minutes, the hosts recorded only six in the second half. Manchester City were wasteful with their chances too, as only one of these six attempts was on target.
Despite fatigue seemingly setting in, Pep Guardiola did not make a single substitution in the game. However, the visitors deserve credit for keeping a strong Manchester City quiet on the night.
