Pep Guardiola toys with Manchester City future after dramatic Fulham victory

Pep Guardiola has dropped a fresh hint about his Manchester City future.

The Catalan, who has been at the helm at the Etihad Stadium since 2016, has entered the final 12 months of his current contract.

Guardiola has enjoyed prolonged success with Manchester City, winning 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles.

The Sky Blues are bidding to win a hat-trick of league titles this season, after piping Liverpool to the trophy on the final day of the last campaign.

City moved to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon, after a dramatic late victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League champions moved one point ahead of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal with the win, as Erling Haaland slotted home a penalty in stoppage time.

Julian Alvarez smashed City into an early lead with an emphatic finish after a smart through ball from Ilkay Gundogan.

Andreas Pereira pulled Fulham level shortly before the half-hour mark from the penalty spot, as Joao Cancelo was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Harry Wilson in the area.

Shortly after his introduction midway through the second-half, Erling Haaland thought he had resumed normal service, as the Norwegian diverted Kevin De Bruyne's deep cross goalwards.

However, the 22 year-olds celebrations would be short lived, as VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

In the 94th minute Haaland did secure a crucial three points for Manchester City, as he converted a penalty won by De Bruyne.

Haaland's 18th league goal of the campaign ended Fulham's four game unbeaten streak and extended City's winning start to the season at home.

Saturday’s match was the Blues' penultimate in the league before the upcoming pause for the FIFA World Cup.

During the break, the club are widely expected to address Pep Guardiola's contract situation, with the 51 year-olds current deal expiring at the end of the campaign.

The Catalan has consistently remained tight-lipped on his long-term future, but hinted at a possible extension post-match.

“[Seeing] the faces in the crowds, the run round the pitch - it was very good," said Guardiola.

“[It was] So exciting, the emotion as a manager. After seven years here, you have doubts, [you have] thousands of training sessions and matches and travel but still they are alive and want to do it.

“It makes me so, so proud.”

Guardiola last penned a new deal in November 2020, signing a two-year contract.