Ilkay Gundogan threaded a pass through for Gabriel Jesus and Tim Ream hauled the Brazilian back in the box. Penalty to Manchester City. Red card for Ream. Game over.
There were less than six minutes gone at the Etihad when the Fulham skipper fouled Jesus and eight when Gundogan stepped up to beat Marek Rodak from the spot, and already we were staring at a foregone conclusion.
It was a silly challenge by Ream after David Silva’s dummy had allowed Gundogan’s pass to run through to Jesus. He didn’t even try to protest his innocence, a resigned glance over his shoulder at referee Kevin Friend telling us that he knew what was coming.