Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the team's first goal from the penalty spot during their Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage in London, England, April 30, 2023. /CFP
Erling Haaland scored his 50th goal of the season on Sunday as Manchester City beat Fulham to return to the Premier League summit, with Newcastle and Manchester United winning to close in on a top-four finish.
Liverpool maintained their unlikely pursuit of a Champions League place by beating Tottenham 4-3 in a thriller but Southampton and Leeds are staring into the abyss.
City's 2-1 win at Craven Cottage left Pep Guardiola's men a point clear of long-time leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand.
The defending champions, chasing their fifth Premier League title in six seasons, were ahead in the third minute when Haaland scored from the penalty spot after Julian Alvarez was fouled.
Haaland's 34th Premier League goal of the season equals the competition record held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer – set in the days of 42-game campaigns.
Tosin Adarabioyo (L) of Fulham battles for possession with Erling Haaland of Manchester City during their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage in London, England, April 30, 2023. /CFP
The Norwegian is the first player to reach a half-century of goals across all competitions in a single English top-flight season since 1931.
"Before Winston Churchill was Prime Minister? Wow. Sounds a long time ago. Congratulations to Erling," said City boss Guardiola.
Fulham equalized in the 15th minute through Carlos Vinicius but Alvarez restored City's lead nine minutes before half-time.
Treble-chasing City, on top for the first time in 10 weeks, have won their past eight league games and are unbeaten in their past 18 matches in all competitions.
They are red-hot favorites to retain their title, taking full advantage of Arsenal's stumbles – the Gunners are winless in their past four matches.
Arsenal host struggling Chelsea on Tuesday, with City at home to West Ham the following day.
"It's important but on Tuesday Arsenal will play," said Guardiola. "Important is the West Ham game, it's a game in hand. After that we'll be top of the table and it will be more real."