PLAYER RATINGS: Josko Gvardiol is becoming a key player for Pep Guardiola during the title run-in but who has grown into his role at Man City with incisive moments?

Manchester City continued their relentless march towards a record fourth successive Premier League win as they brushed aside Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Just thirteen minutes into the match, Josko Gvardiol got the visitors on the scoresheet with a clinical finish to round off a well-worked team move. Although the home side managed to keep Pep Guardiola’s side at bay until half-time, it was ultimately to no avail.

Newly minted FWA Footballer of the Year Phil Foden scored 25 goals in an exceptional season after picking up a loose ball and smashing it into the bottom left corner within an hour.

Gvardiol claimed his second 12 minutes later as Fulham looked increasingly tired in the face of the Manchester City machine, and Julian Alvarez’s extra-time penalty sealed an impressive 4-0 win away from home.

But who were the standouts on a huge afternoon in the title race? Here, Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan is in charge of Guardiola’s team in West London.

Phil Foden looked every bit a worthy tribute to the FWA Footballer of the Year award

A win against Fulham on Saturday afternoon will see Man City rocket to the top of the table

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Ederson – 6.5

A quiet afternoon in terms of shots, but staying alert in periods when Fulham threatened to create decent chances.

Manuel Akanji-7

Started on the right side and returned to the left center half. Equally well measured in both positions and someone Pep Guardiola strongly relies on.

Ruben Dias – 7.5

Back on the sidelines and proved why within five minutes with two big blocks from dangerous crosses. Communication is just as important as anything else.

Nathan Ake – 6.5

Completed some crucial interventions early on but was forced off in the 22nd minute with what appeared to be a shin problem.

Ruben Dias easily slipped back to the side and put on a stylish show at the back

Rodri’s (right) mammoth record in the Premier League is a tribute to his football intelligence

Josko Gvardiol-9

During the run-in he became a key player for Guardiola. Beautifully taken opening goal calmed City down and then conceded another goal. And he’s not really a left back.

Rodri-8

Game understanding ensures that others can flourish. Hardly needs to make a tackle or interception because of his intelligence.

Mateo Kovačić – 8

Moving forward decisively in a way that shows Kovacic has grown in his role at City. He picks his moments perfectly.

Bernardo Silva – 8.5

Disciplined role from the right for the Portuguese, embarrassed Antonee Robinson for the second and then whipped in the cross for the third.

Antonee Robinson (left) was left red-faced after tangling with Bernardo Silva (right)

Kevin De Bruyne tore through the powerless Fulham midfield and should have got more assists to top up his tally

Foden’s defensive acumen has improved, providing new impetus for Pep Guardiola’s team

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5

Nine assists in sixteen Premier League appearances. Should have taken two more when Akanji and Erling Haaland spooned over the bar.

Phil Foden-8

Glides through games and even when he makes mistakes, his extra defensive acumen means Foden corrects them these days. Nice finish to his goal too.

Erling Haaland-7

Great physical presence through the middle and caused Calvin Bassey real problems. But then he exploded when he should have scored a one-on-one after the break.

Kyle Walker put in a strong performance in West London on Saturday afternoon

Julian Alvarez provided the icing on the cake when he passed away an extra time penalty

Subs

Kyle Walker (for Aké, 22) – 7

Jeremy Doku (for De Bruyne, 75)

Rico Lewis (for Kovacic, 82)

Oscar Bobb (for Foden, 82)

Julian Alvarez (for Haaland, 82)

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno 6; Castagne 6, Diop 5, Bassey 5.5, Robinson 5; Palhinha 7; Cordova-Reid 6 (Traore 46, 5), Iwobi 6.5, Pereira 6 (Wilson 74, 6), Willian 5 (Cairney 46, 6); Muniz 6 (Broja 67, 6)