Fulham players and boss Marco Silva are left seething as Nathan Ake’s goal is allowed to stand despite Manuel Akanji standing in an offside position and appearing to interfere with play

Fulham boss Marco Silva and his players were left seething after Nathan Ake’s header in the final minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half for Manchester City in their Premier League clash.

The Citizens ran out 5-1 winners at the end of the game, but as the game approached the interval, the sides were inseparable at 1-1, after strikes from both Julian Alvarez and Tim Ream. 

But as the half-time whistle beckoned, Ake headed home the third goal of the game to put the champions in front, but it was a goal shrouded in controversy. 

Manuel Akanji appeared to be standing in an offside position in front of goalkeeper Bernd Leno as the goal was scored, which left the visitors fuming.

Yet despite appeals from Silva and his players, the goal stood and the visitors went into the break seething at the referee and VAR officials.

Nathan Ake put Manchester City ahead in controversial fashion against Fulham

Swiss defender Manuel Akanji could be clearly seen in an offside position for the goal

This resulted in fans taking to social media to discuss their surprise with the decision to allow the goal to stand.

One user asked: ‘How was that given? Guy clearly offside in front of the keeper takes a swing at the ball and puts the keeper off.’

This was supported by a Man City fan, who agreed that Akanji was clearly offside as he said: ‘If you don’t think Akanji is affecting play, watch Leno’s feet and you’ll see him readjust after the ball goes past Akanji. 

‘Clear offside. Expect an apology from the PGMOL Monday.’

Another user simply said: ‘That was offside, daylight robbery.’ 

User Ricky Zellefrow labelled it the ‘clearest offside in the history’ as he admitted he ‘should be disallowed.’  

Another Manchester City fan admitted that he felt sorry for their opponents as he admitted: ‘We’ve robbed a goal off Fulham there, I’d be furious if I were them.’

Fulham fan Hazza L called on the FA and Premier League to make up for their mistake as he wrote:  ‘That is a DISGRACE! WHAT IS THE POINT OF VAR!’ as he tagged the governing bodies.

Marco Silva and his players were left seething after the goal stood despite a VAR check

‘Fine margins in a game and you allow that goal to be given. You can even see Leno hesitate because the guy that’s offside can alter the direction of the ball!’

Guardiola’s side made it a comfortable victory in the end, but the goal on the brink of half time was the turning point for his City side. 

While Fulham had put in a dogged performance in the opening 45 minutes, Erling Haaland put the game beyond them with a hat-trick in the second. 

He atoned from his error from a week ago by converting from 12 yards with aplomb, after netting in the 58th minute, before completing the milestone in the 95th minute to take his season tally to six already.