Man City went ahead in the third minute through Haaland’s penalty after a foul on Alvarez, a replacement for the injured Kevin De Bruyne.

It was Haaland’s 34th Premier League goal of the season, equalling the overall record set by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole, and his 50th in all competitions.

But Fulham fought back, thanks to Carlos Vinicius’s fierce strike from a Harry Wilson knockdown.

Alvarez restored City’s first-half lead with a superb shot from outside the area.

Fulham battled hard in the second half but were unable to seriously test Ederson in the City goal as the champions closed out an eighth straight league victory that takes them to 76 points, one above Arsenal, having played a match fewer.

Not since 5 November have the champions led the table by a point or more. But Arsenal can go back on top if they beat Chelsea on Tuesday.

Newcastle and Man Utd strengthen claims

Newcastle United and Manchester United strengthened their positions in the top four with home victories.

Half-time substitute Callum Wilson was the hero for Newcastle, as they came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at St James’ Park.

Saints stunned the home crowd four minutes before half-time when they broke and Stuart Armstrong scored from Kamaldeen Sulemana’s cross.

Newcastle hit back shortly after the break through Wilson, converting Alexander Isak’s centre.

Newcastle went ahead when Theo Walcott diverted a corner into his own net and it was 3-1 two minutes later through Wilson, who has eight goals in April and 15 goals in the league this season.

A third win in a row takes Newcastle to 65 points, while a fifth defeat in six leaves Southampton rooted at the bottom with 24 points, six from safety.

Man Utd’s makeshift defence became the first to stop Aston Villa under Unai Emery from scoring in a Premier League match and it proved crucial as Bruno Fernandes’s first-half goal was enough to secure victory at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese finished from a tight angle after Marcus Rashford’s shot had been parried on 39 minutes.

Douglas Luiz had two chances to equalise but his first shot was blocked and second was cleared off the line by Victor Lindelof.

Man Utd stay fourth on 63 points, two behind Newcastle with a match in hand. A first defeat in 11 matches for Villa leaves them seventh on 54 points.