Manchester City vs Fulham: 6 Things We Learned

Manchester City's 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham isn't going into the history books as a classic.

Both teams battled admirably. The visitors came to the Etihad expecting to leave with nothing—and despite some moments of quality—that's what they got.

The Manchester chill may have slowed the pace of this one, but the result is important moving forward. Let's have a look at what we learned from the encounter.

David Silva Is Ready to Step Up

How will City deal without Yaya Toure? Despite the Ivorian's inconsistent form this season, it's a question many will have contemplated.

Just like last week's win against Arsenal, Roberto Mancini's side reminded us that any individual can thrust the Premier League champions to victory.

David Silva was so often City's main man during the title-winning campaign. Similar to Yaya, the Spaniard has suffered with indifferent form across the last few months. It seems the former Valencia man is now ready to inspire.

Mancini will be pleased to see Silva contribute in all areas of the pitch. His two goals were confidently finished—but it would be a disservice to the midfielder if we didn't analyse the rest of his stats.

Silva made more passes than any other City player, completing 92 percent of his efforts. He also produced two tackles and six key passes. Perhaps most notably, he was constantly trying to create openings—playing smart through balls to the attacking line and looking to slice Fulham open on the counter.

This kind of individual performance should have City fans excited.

Edin Dzeko Deserves to Start

So often City's super-sub, Edin Dzeko has started the last four Premier League games. Four goals in that time suggests he has plenty to offer across the entirety of a match.

Against Fulham, Dzeko proved he is ready to work hard. The Bosnian forward failed to score, but this doesn't tell the entire story. He looked comfortable alongside Carlos Tevez—who also put in a decent shift—and provided City with something a little different going forward.

Dzeko held up the ball well and gathered possession while his teammates galloped forward. He often slowed pace down, looked to both wings and played an accurate pass towards a colleague in space.

While it's difficult to outline who should start between Tevez and Sergio Aguero, Dzeko's physical presence and power means he allows Mancini's team to play in a different way. City have played less intricate football this season and certainly haven't blown many teams away with a free-flowing attacking style, much like they did in 2011-12.

The former Wolfsburg player is likely to be vital as we head into the latter half of the campaign. Right now, Mancini has a decision to make: will Tevez or Aguero partner Dzeko? One thing's for sure, Mario Balotelli's stock is dropping by the game.

City's Defence Tightening Up at the Right Time

City missed a number of clear cut chances against Fulham. As we saw last season, goal difference could become important to how the table finishes.

Roberto Mancini will be relieved to see four clean sheets out of five Premier League games for his side. City aren't performing to the peak of their potential just yet. A major tightening of defence takes the pressure off everyone and is an ominous sign at this stage of the year.

Fulham Need Explosive Attacking Power

Martin Jol should be disappointed with his team's inability to test City's defence. Despite the 2-0 loss, Fulham dominated key areas of the pitch.

The Cottagers enjoyed 67 percent aerial success, won more corners and committed less fouls. Even so, Manchester City accumulated 20 shots to Fulham's two.

Players including Bryan Ruiz, Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov looked comfortable on the ball. They stroked it around City's midfield without much hassle for the most part. Critically, nobody managed to burst into the box at pace, trouble Joe Hart with constant pressure or ever looked like scoring a goal.

Fulham need a balance. Berbatov needs colleagues around him that offer explosive attacking power. The Bulgarian often plays in second gear—and right now—it seems his lethargic nature is sapping others of energy.

It's all well and good controlling possession, but that will not win Fulham any games.

Fulham Really Are in the Relegation Battle

One win in six is not enough for Fulham. A strong start to the season is long gone as Jol's team continue to plummet down the table.

Southampton are three points behind with a game in hand. Reading and Wigan are six points behind and in the relegation zone—but unlike Fulham—both teams are showing major signs of improvement.

Home matches against West Ham and Manchester United provide the perfect opportunity for the Londoners to get their season back on track. Three points are certainly needed from one of these matches, or else the chasing pack are likely to gain even greater momentum.

Pressure on Manchester United Is Mounting

Manchester City's win leaves them four points behind leaders Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men travel to Tottenham looking to gain revenge for Spurs 3-2 win at Old Trafford earlier in the season. The Red Devils are now under pressure for the first time, knowing they must win to keep their seven point lead.

The next 90 minutes are crucial for United. If they see off Andre Villas-Boas' men, City will understand just how difficult the gap is to overturn. If United lose, the champions will already be within touching distance.

Similar to City's 2-0 win over Arsenal last Sunday, United need a response.

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All statistics in this article are courtesy of Whoscored.