Haaland scores 50th goal as Man City beat Fulham 2-1 and go top in title race.

Manchester City’s “other” centre-forward, Julian Alvarez, scored a stunning winner to propel the champions to the top of the table in a hard-fought contest against Fulham. Alvarez won an early penalty, which Erling Haaland converted to bring up his 50th goal of the season, before netting a swerving, dipping strike of his own. Haaland’s spot-kick also saw him equal Alan Shearer and Andy Cole’s record goal tally of 34 in a Premier League season. City secured their eighth straight Premier League win and an 18th unbeaten match to replace Arsenal at the top of the table with a game in hand. Despite Fulham equalising through Carlos Vinicius, they felt they should have had a second-half penalty. The absence of Kevin De Bruyne, City’s chief creative force, raised optimism among the home support that Fulham might keep the score down. However, City proved their competitive nature and are now closing in on a fifth title in six seasons.