Yaya Touré 26′ (pen), 54′ (pen), 65′
Fernandinho 84', Demichelis 88'
Touré trio mauls Magath's slackers
Yaya Touré slammed an enormous right boot into the mouth of yet another German on Saturday afternoon as his three goals sent City on their way to an overdue Etihad exhibition. The Ivorian, who was branded a 'liability' by former City porker Didi Hamann in January, netted his 14th, 15th and 16th league goals of the season to edge above Sergio Agüero as the blues' top scorer of the campaign - not bad for a 'liability', eh Didi?
But it was a case of individual class over collective quality for Manuel Pellegrini's side who have moved to a much slower metronome in recent weeks. Fernando Amorebieta's 53rd minute red card presented the blues with the space they handle so exquisitely, but the diligence of Felix Magath's relegation warriors troubled the hosts when numerical differences presented no such advantage.
(Jon Moss sends off Fulham's Fernando Amorebieta eight minutes into the second half)
With Tuesday's trip to Old Trafford inevitably patrolling the mind of Manchester City's South American sergeant, four changes were made to the side that courageously tamed Steve Bruce's Tigers last week. Joleon Lescott replaced the suspended Vincent Kompany alongside Martin Demichelis in the heart of defence, Aleksandar Kolarov was preferred to Gaël Clichy, James Milner's pertinacity saw Javi García take a place on the bench, and Álvaro Negredo was given the chance to relocate his shooting boots in the absence of a sick Edin Džeko.
The Spaniard who sizzled alongside Sergio Agüero at the start of the season still appears to be mourning the loss of his goalscoring buddy to injury, and another goalless performance on Saturday etched in another mark onto the tally board of his idle 12-game run. However, it was the £16m man who negotiated City's first goal when he fell in the box with all the extravagance of Anton du Beke under a gentle Fernando Amorebieta challenge. Rightly or wrongly, the penalty was given and Yaya Touré rolled in City's first of the day.
(Yaya Touré opens the scoring for the blues)
Desperate to poke their heads above the deepening seas of the relegation zone, Fulham concocted a collection of their own chances before the end of the first half. Headers from Sascha Riether and Fernando Amorebieta should have warmed the palms of Joe Hart, but the Cottager's season-long ghouls in front of goal continued to haunt them.
And a calamitous early smash to the windows of the Cottagers allowed even more water to filter in to their 2013/2014 campaign when Amorebieta tripped David Silva in the 18-yard-box just eight minutes into the second half. The Venezuelan's second yellow-card of the game invited Manchester City's bulldozers in for total destruction, and Touré's second penalty of the day all but secured the three points for Pellegrini's men.
(Yaya Touré slots in his second goal from the spot)
Discontented with the ease at which he was able to slot in his first two goals, City's indomitable Ivorian secured his hat-trick with an enchanting curled effort on the 65 minute mark to cement his title as the world's most appealing box-to-box midfielder. A nonchalant swipe of the boot escaped Stockdale's left-hand post by milimetres, and a spellbound Etihad crowd were left to wipe the drool from their knees.
(The Ivorian completes his hat-trick with a mesmerizing effort from 25 yards)
With Magath's men already focusing their attentions on their next home game against Everton, the blues were able to tease their visitors with passing perfection and tantalising trickery. James Milner and the returning Stevan Jovetić provided most of City's glamour in the closing stages with some neat one touch passing, but it was Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho who attempted to rival Touré's third with an equally powerful strike with just six minutes left to play. Samir Nasri's short free-kick was played into the path of the 28-year-old who rounded his man and smashed a scorcher into the top corner.
(Fernandinho celebrates his fourth goal of the campaign for his new club)
But the rout wouldn't have been complete without a sprinkling of stardust from 33-year-old veteran Martin Demichelis who finished the day's scoring with a tap in on the 88 minute mark. Another solid performance from the Argentinian, and this time capped off with a goal.
(Martin Demichelis scores his first goal in City colours)
Fernando Amorebieta's horror show certainly enabled the blues to prepare for Tuesday's titanic clash in desired fashion, but Manuel Pellegrini can not ignore the lethargy that has characterised our approach in the last few weeks. Individual class is beginning to outweigh collective quality, and only a joint effort will see us win the title this year. It's difficult to complain after such an appetizing result, with David Moyes's men brimming with confidence heading into Tuesday's fixture, the blues will need to rediscover the enthusiasm that rocked the Premier League earlier in the season.
And as for Yaya Touré, well, he may be the best 'liability' I have ever seen.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 6 - Enjoyed watching his side tear apart Fulham from the comfort of his untouched goal.
Pablo Zabaleta 7 - Combated the threat of Richardson with ease and was allowed to join in with the blues' fluid attacking play.
Joleon Lescott 7 - The Englishman rarely loses an aerial battle and the same was the case on Saturday. A strong and solid performance from the man who will be leaving at the end of the season.
Martin Demichelis 7 - Receives his fair share of critics, but not even they could criticise the Argentine's passing. Comfortable on the ball and even contributed to the goalscoring rout!
Aleksandar Kolarov 7 - An easy day for the Serbian who, like Zabaleta, was able to focus on attacking rather than defending. Had a ferocious effort denied by the bar.
James Milner 8 - Often praised for his tenacity, Milner showed another side to his game in the 5-0 victory. Involved all afternoon in City's play in Fulham's box and even tried his hand at some Neymar-esque trickery as the game progressed. Not used enough, some would say.
Fernandinho 7.5 - Always looked in control and smashed in a beauty for his fourth of the season. 
Yaya Touré 9 - His 'floppy' approach makes his brilliance even more beautiful. The Ivorian lounges around the field with consummate ease throughout, and then unleashes a flash of magic when he deems it appropriate. The best 'liability' I have ever seen. 
Samir Nasri 6.5 - A relatively quiet day for the Frenchman, although he did nothing wrong.
David Silva 7 - Decided to tone it down a little after last week's masterclass, but still played his part in a fine attacking performance. Won City's second penalty.
Álvaro Negredo 6 - Neat touches, impeccable strength, but still very, very quiet. Maybe he needs a certain Argentine to help him rediscover his form?
Substitutes
Jesus Navas 7 - Pace helped to trouble Fulham's back line even more.
Jack Rodwell 6 - Good to see him gain a few minutes.
Stevan Jovetić 7 - Linked up well with Milner.
Shots on target: Manchester City 12 - 0 Fulham
Shots off target: Manchester City 5 - 4 Fulham
Blocked shots: Manchester City 5 - 2 Fulham
Fouls: Manchester City 8 - 14 Fulham
Pass Completion: Manchester City 89% - 78% Fulham
Tackle Success: Manchester City 33% - 36% Fulham
