An Erling Haaland hat-trick secured victory, albeit not without controversy, as Manchester City continued their perfect start to the season against Fulham.

Julian Alvarez continued his strong start to the campaign by giving the hosts the lead on 31 minutes. Tim Ream hit back for the visitors just minutes later, but Pep Guardiola’s side would wrestle back the lead before the interval in dubious circumstances.

As Nathan Ake headed home, Manuel Akanji appeared to be in a clear offside position interfering with play, but a VAR review allowed the goal to stand, infuriating Marco Silva and the travelling support.

Mail Sport’s JACK GAUGHAN takes a look at some of things you may have missed at the Etihad.

Manchester City continued their perfect start to the season with a 5-1 win at home to Fulham

Pep Guardiola was still absent after undergoing back surgery but made sure his instructions were heard

Marco Silva was left seething after Nathan Ake’s goal put City ahead before half-time

Williams is honoured for his service 

It was a day of celebration at the Etihad Stadium. Alex Williams, the ex-goalkeeper from the 1980s on the programme cover, had the afternoon dedicated to his service after choosing to retire from his role as ambassador of Manchester City’s community arm. 

Williams was instrumental in driving forward the trust for 33 years and was presented with a framed shirt by chief executive Ferran Soriano.

Man City legend Alex Williams was honoured prior to the game for his 33 years with the club’s community arm

City’s sister club get a taste of the atmosphere 

Before all that, City had welcomed sister club Bahia to town. 

Former midfielder Elano has been here, while renowned Brazilian singer Carlinhos Brown provided the entertainment outside the main stand in front of Soriano. 

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And then did a South American twist on Blue Moon on the pitch.

Palhinha absent after Bayern blow

No great surprise that Joao Palhinha was not in attendance. The Fulham midfielder was on the brink of completing a £56million deal to Bayern Munich and was in Germany. 

But Fulham pulled the move and he wasn’t included in Marco Silva’s squad for this, which is understandable given the Portuguese won’t have arrived back in the UK until the early hours. They missed him.

Joao Palhinha was absent on Saturday after Marco Silva cancelled his move to Bayern Munich

Nunes and Traore reunite at pitchside 

Matheus Nunes and Adama Traore were both substitutes and looked like long-lost brothers just after half-time when they bumped into each other, possibly trading different exit strategies out of Wolves.

Carlos Vicens gets an earful from Pep

Switching roles on the City bench. The AirPods were passed about. Inigo Dominguez had them at Sheffield United last week but the responsibility of listening to Pep Guardiola’s thoughts of proceedings was handed to Carlos Vicens this time. 

Guardiola will return from back surgery after the international break.

Doku demonstrates his promise 

A little glimpse into what Jeremy Doku might offer came within minutes when he skinned Antonee Robinson near the byline to gasps. But it’s clear that his full integration into the team will take time.

Jeremy Doku offered glimpses of his potential as he made his first start since joining City from Rennes