Fulham against Manchester City

Zoltan Gera certainly gives his shot everything, but it is poor and flies wide.

Another Fulham free kick on the corner of the Premier League...

The set piece is taken quickly to Johnson, he is isolated near the corner flag and lashes in a poor cross which City clear.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Patrick Vieira on for Gareth Barry</b>

Free kick Fulham around 40 yards from goal.

Fulham are still sort of giving it a go, although it all seems pretty pointless with 10 minutes left. I wouldn't rule out a fifth for City on the break.

Adam Johnson dribbles at the heart of the Fulham defence, he delays his shot and eventually loses the opportunity. Wasteful from the England winger.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Andy Johnson</b> makes a needless late challenge on Vincent Kompany, a deserved yellow card.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Adam Johnson on for Carlos Tevez</b>

City clear and look to break, Hughes tripping Kolarov as he springs forward.

From the free kick Fulham earn a corner, another goal here would make it interesting...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Pablo Zabaleta</b> is carded for a lunge on Carlos Salcido.

Gareth Barry seems to be struggling, City may consider replacing the England man.

Both Tevez and Jo are both back on the pitch.

Jo is now down and clutching his leg after a challenge from Hangeland. The Norwegian got the ball but Jo is getting to his feet rather gingerly.

Again City just keeping the ball, something they have done really well today.

Carlos Tevez is down and claiming a penalty, Salcido certainly took a risk making the challenge.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Zoltan Gera gives Fulham hope?!</b> From the corner the ball falls to Gera, his side-footed shot deflects off Zabaleta and past Joe Hart. A fightback?!

Nearly for Fulham! Kamara's low cross almost reaches Johnson but they have to settle for a corner...

Aaron Hughes rises to meet the corner, his looping header reaches the arms of Joe Hart.

Corner to Fulham, Andy Johnson's cross turned behind.

The Russian takes the free kick, Schwarzer gathers comfortably.

City free kick, Dempsey with a needless shove on Kolarov...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Diomansy Kamara on for Dickson Etuhu</b>

Schwarzer punches the ball clear, confident work from the keeper.

Corner to City, Tevez breaking again, his low cross looks for Barry but Hangeland puts the ball behind.

Again City are keeping the ball as they did for large parts of the first half, Fulham are a beaten team now.

Carlos Tevez looks to break away towards the Fulham box, Danny Murphy dashes across and executes a perfect sliding tackle.

Poor Fulham, having looked more threatening at the start of the half, the fourth goal has completely knocked the stuffing out of them.

Kolarov's delivery is poor and headed clear at the front post.

City could have a fifth here with a free kick on the byline...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Tevez scores again!!!</b> From the corner the ball arrive will Zabaleta, who smashes a shot goalward. Tevez diverts the shot over Schwarzer from one-yard out and surely secures three points for City.

Carlos Tevez wastes a glorious chance! Zabaleta puts the Argentine through on goal, and he is only capable of toe-poking straight at Schwarzer...

Mark Hughes is encouraging his team, urging them to maintain this high tempo.

Much, much better from Fulham! A deep cross from Salcido finds Gera at the far post, his downward header is repelled by Joe Hart. His save was meaningless, with Gera adjudged to have fouled his marker.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Dickson Etuhu</b> is the first man in the book for a late challenge on Nigel de Jong, ironically...

First City attack of the half, Zabaleta finds himself in a good position, his cross is mis-hit and goes behind for a goal kick.

Another attack from Fulham, Dempsey striding through midfield before dragging his shot wide.

A much brighter start from Fulham in this half, although it could hardly get any worse than the opening 45 minutes!

On the front foot again, Adam Johnson gets to the byline for Fulham. His low cross is well struck, but Joe Hart gathers.

Fulham win an early corner and Hangeland heads over the bar!

<b>KICK OFF</b> City start the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Zoltan Gera on for Damien Duff</b>

The teams are back out, can Fulham pull off a huge shock and get back in the game?

A great response to their recent criticism for City, since Tevez's opener they have taken over and punished Fulham.

<b>HALF TIME</b> City are 3-0 up and in complete control. Fulham need a miracle to get anything from this match.

Brede Hangeland stretches to get his head on the ball, but is unable to guide his header on goal.

Corner to Fulham right at the end of the half, Baird's cross deflected behind...

Nigel de Jong with a cynical trip on Duff as he tries to break. I was wondering when he was going to foul someone...

<b>TWO MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

A half chance for Simon Davies, Clint Dempsey launching a long ball from a quickly-taken free kick, Davies flicks on a header but Hart gathers.

What is Mark Hughes going to say to his players at half time? They look completely lost at the moment.

A very good, low, cross from Kolarov. Luckily for Fulham no one was there to apply the finish. City are cruising here.

Man City are toying with Fulham, Duff gets frustrated and gives away a cheap free kick on the half way line.

The delivery from Barry is poor and Fulham can head clear.

Kompany's nearpost header is deflected for a second corner...

City are completely in control and they have another corner with Kolarov...

A terrible half for Fulham, clearly Mark Hughes' words have riled the City players!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Yaya Toure makes it three nil!!!</b> Carlos Tevez threads a perfectly weighted ball to his Ivorian teammate, who takes a touch before firing low past Schwarzer, game set and match!

It has been far too easy for City in this first half, they are well on their way to a much-needed win.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Pablo Zabaleta scores a screamer!!!</b> Fulham fail to clear a low cross in the aftermath of City's corner. The ball falls to Zabaleta, who hammers it home via a slight deflection off Damien Duff!

City have a corner, Jo's cross going behind off Chris Baird...

Carlos Tevez is penalised for pushing over Salcido, the Argentine seemed to find the whole incident very amusing.

From the clearance Silva picks up possession, cutting in from the right and slicing a shot horribly wide.

He's back on his feet and helps defend the corner he conceded, which from a City point of view is poor and is cleared at the near post.

Carlos Salcido is down for Fulham after making a challenge on Zabaleta, Hughes will be hoping he can recover...

Kolo Toure does well under pressure from Dempsey, shrugging off the American and making a clearance.

Fulham were easily exposed by City in that last attack, a worry for Mark Hughes.

City clear and launch a rapid counter attack. David Silva feeds Kolarov, who taps the ball past the defender and is away on goal. His left-foot shot is unconvincing and Schwarzer makes a save.

Great opportunity for Fulham from this set piece, Kompany bringing down Dempsey...

As I type Yaya Toure knocks a fantastically poor pass straight out of play!

City are passing the ball well at the moment and looking decent.

Andy Johnson finds space on the left, he is stopped in his tracks by the linesman's flag though.

Foul by Danny Murphy on De Jong, City free kick in their own half.

Mark Hughes is very animated on the Fulham bench, he clearly wants more from his team with City looking comfortable at the moment.

First shot at goal for Fulham, Carlos Salcido firing high and wide after City could only half clear a cross from the left.

A very flat atmosphere crowd at Craven Cottage, the locals need a lift.

Tevez looks for Zabaleta, who had made a long run forward, but he can't connect with the pass.

Neat approach play from City, the final ball is over hit though and Schwarzer manages to gather.

Fulham look slightly shell shocked after falling behind out of the blue. Can they recover?

Aaron Hughes rises to meet the corner, his header flys over the crossbar.

Andy Johnson is momentarily behind the Fulham defence, Kolo Toure recovers to clear for a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Carlos Tevez gives City the perfect start!!!</b> Gareth Barry's pass arrived with the Argentine, who in front of Diego Maradona turned and calmly slotted past Schwarzer!

City clear and try to break through Silva, Salcido tracks back well to clear.

The free kick is wasted but Fulham are applying early pressure and they have a throw deep in City territory.

Early free kick for Fulham, de Jong committing the foul.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Fulham get us started!

The teams are making their way onto the pitch, it's almost time to begin.

Andy Johnson makes his first start since returning from injury for Fulham.

Jo gets a rare start for the visitors, partnering Carlos Tevez and David Silva in attack.

Mark Hughes will be looking to get one over on his former employees, as Roberto Mancini brings his Man City team to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.

<img src="/design05/images/2010/0803/markhughespresser20100803_275x155.jpg">

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has had plenty to say about his former club Manchester City in the build up to this one, which some bring some added spice at kick off. Join us for Live Commentary at 16.00 GMT.

Again City just keeping the ball, something they have done really well today.

Carlos Tevez is down and claiming a penalty, Salcido certainly took a risk making the challenge.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Zoltan Gera gives Fulham hope?!</b> From the corner the ball falls to Gera, his side-footed shot deflects off Zabaleta and past Joe Hart. A fightback?!

Nearly for Fulham! Kamara's low cross almost reaches Johnson but they have to settle for a corner...

Aaron Hughes rises to meet the corner, his looping header reaches the arms of Joe Hart.

Corner to Fulham, Andy Johnson's cross turned behind.

The Russian takes the free kick, Schwarzer gathers comfortably.

City free kick, Dempsey with a needless shove on Kolarov...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Diomansy Kamara on for Dickson Etuhu</b>

Schwarzer punches the ball clear, confident work from the keeper.

Corner to City, Tevez breaking again, his low cross looks for Barry but Hangeland puts the ball behind.

Again City are keeping the ball as they did for large parts of the first half, Fulham are a beaten team now.

Carlos Tevez looks to break away towards the Fulham box, Danny Murphy dashes across and executes a perfect sliding tackle.

Poor Fulham, having looked more threatening at the start of the half, the fourth goal has completely knocked the stuffing out of them.

Kolarov's delivery is poor and headed clear at the front post.

City could have a fifth here with a free kick on the byline...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Tevez scores again!!!</b> From the corner the ball arrive will Zabaleta, who smashes a shot goalward. Tevez diverts the shot over Schwarzer from one-yard out and surely secures three points for City.

Carlos Tevez wastes a glorious chance! Zabaleta puts the Argentine through on goal, and he is only capable of toe-poking straight at Schwarzer...

Mark Hughes is encouraging his team, urging them to maintain this high tempo.

Much, much better from Fulham! A deep cross from Salcido finds Gera at the far post, his downward header is repelled by Joe Hart. His save was meaningless, with Gera adjudged to have fouled his marker.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Dickson Etuhu</b> is the first man in the book for a late challenge on Nigel de Jong, ironically...

First City attack of the half, Zabaleta finds himself in a good position, his cross is mis-hit and goes behind for a goal kick.

Another attack from Fulham, Dempsey striding through midfield before dragging his shot wide.

A much brighter start from Fulham in this half, although it could hardly get any worse than the opening 45 minutes!

On the front foot again, Adam Johnson gets to the byline for Fulham. His low cross is well struck, but Joe Hart gathers.

Fulham win an early corner and Hangeland heads over the bar!

<b>KICK OFF</b> City start the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Zoltan Gera on for Damien Duff</b>

The teams are back out, can Fulham pull off a huge shock and get back in the game?

A great response to their recent criticism for City, since Tevez's opener they have taken over and punished Fulham.

<b>HALF TIME</b> City are 3-0 up and in complete control. Fulham need a miracle to get anything from this match.

Brede Hangeland stretches to get his head on the ball, but is unable to guide his header on goal.

Corner to Fulham right at the end of the half, Baird's cross deflected behind...

Nigel de Jong with a cynical trip on Duff as he tries to break. I was wondering when he was going to foul someone...

<b>TWO MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

A half chance for Simon Davies, Clint Dempsey launching a long ball from a quickly-taken free kick, Davies flicks on a header but Hart gathers.

What is Mark Hughes going to say to his players at half time? They look completely lost at the moment.

A very good, low, cross from Kolarov. Luckily for Fulham no one was there to apply the finish. City are cruising here.

Man City are toying with Fulham, Duff gets frustrated and gives away a cheap free kick on the half way line.

The delivery from Barry is poor and Fulham can head clear.

Kompany's nearpost header is deflected for a second corner...

City are completely in control and they have another corner with Kolarov...

A terrible half for Fulham, clearly Mark Hughes' words have riled the City players!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Yaya Toure makes it three nil!!!</b> Carlos Tevez threads a perfectly weighted ball to his Ivorian teammate, who takes a touch before firing low past Schwarzer, game set and match!

It has been far too easy for City in this first half, they are well on their way to a much-needed win.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Pablo Zabaleta scores a screamer!!!</b> Fulham fail to clear a low cross in the aftermath of City's corner. The ball falls to Zabaleta, who hammers it home via a slight deflection off Damien Duff!

City have a corner, Jo's cross going behind off Chris Baird...

Carlos Tevez is penalised for pushing over Salcido, the Argentine seemed to find the whole incident very amusing.

From the clearance Silva picks up possession, cutting in from the right and slicing a shot horribly wide.

He's back on his feet and helps defend the corner he conceded, which from a City point of view is poor and is cleared at the near post.

Carlos Salcido is down for Fulham after making a challenge on Zabaleta, Hughes will be hoping he can recover...

Kolo Toure does well under pressure from Dempsey, shrugging off the American and making a clearance.

Fulham were easily exposed by City in that last attack, a worry for Mark Hughes.

City clear and launch a rapid counter attack. David Silva feeds Kolarov, who taps the ball past the defender and is away on goal. His left-foot shot is unconvincing and Schwarzer makes a save.

Great opportunity for Fulham from this set piece, Kompany bringing down Dempsey...

As I type Yaya Toure knocks a fantastically poor pass straight out of play!

City are passing the ball well at the moment and looking decent.

Andy Johnson finds space on the left, he is stopped in his tracks by the linesman's flag though.

Foul by Danny Murphy on De Jong, City free kick in their own half.

Mark Hughes is very animated on the Fulham bench, he clearly wants more from his team with City looking comfortable at the moment.

First shot at goal for Fulham, Carlos Salcido firing high and wide after City could only half clear a cross from the left.

A very flat atmosphere crowd at Craven Cottage, the locals need a lift.

Tevez looks for Zabaleta, who had made a long run forward, but he can't connect with the pass.

Neat approach play from City, the final ball is over hit though and Schwarzer manages to gather.

Fulham look slightly shell shocked after falling behind out of the blue. Can they recover?

Aaron Hughes rises to meet the corner, his header flys over the crossbar.

Andy Johnson is momentarily behind the Fulham defence, Kolo Toure recovers to clear for a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Carlos Tevez gives City the perfect start!!!</b> Gareth Barry's pass arrived with the Argentine, who in front of Diego Maradona turned and calmly slotted past Schwarzer!

City clear and try to break through Silva, Salcido tracks back well to clear.

The free kick is wasted but Fulham are applying early pressure and they have a throw deep in City territory.

Early free kick for Fulham, de Jong committing the foul.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Fulham get us started!

The teams are making their way onto the pitch, it's almost time to begin.

Andy Johnson makes his first start since returning from injury for Fulham.

Jo gets a rare start for the visitors, partnering Carlos Tevez and David Silva in attack.

Mark Hughes will be looking to get one over on his former employees, as Roberto Mancini brings his Man City team to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.

<img src="/design05/images/2010/0803/markhughespresser20100803_275x155.jpg">

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has had plenty to say about his former club Manchester City in the build up to this one, which some bring some added spice at kick off. Join us for Live Commentary at 16.00 GMT.