Manchester City trimmed Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League back to two points with a ruthless 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, inspired by a brace from Erling Haaland and yet another goal from in-form Phil Foden.
Arsenal’s late victory over Wolves had briefly opened up a five-point cushion, but Pep Guardiola’s side responded in style, making it four league wins on the spin and underlining their intent in the title race.
Haaland at the double, Foden’s hot streak continues
City were clinical where Palace were wasteful. The visitors took control in the first half when Haaland rose to meet a superb, pinpoint cross from Matheus Nunes, guiding a precise header beyond Dean Henderson to make it 1-0.
After the break, Phil Foden extended City’s advantage with his sixth goal in five Premier League games. Rayan Cherki drove forward before feeding Foden, who took aim from around 20 yards and drilled a low shot into the corner past Henderson. The strike came in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who continues to weigh up his options for the No 10 role ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
City sealed the points late on from the spot. Substitute Savinho was brought down by Henderson inside the area, and Haaland stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and claim his second of the afternoon, wrapping up a dominant 3-0 victory.
Palace rue missed chances as City show their edge
Despite the scoreline, Palace had opportunities to make life awkward for the champions. Yeremy Pino and Adam Wharton both rattled the woodwork, and Eddie Nketiah forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a smart stop from a tight angle as the hosts pushed to get back into the game.
But unlike their FA Cup final triumph over City in May, Palace could not capitalise on their moments, while Guardiola’s side were ruthless in front of goal and controlled the tempo once they went ahead.
Player ratings and Man of the Match
Crystal Palace:
Henderson (5), Guehi (7), Lacroix (6), Richards (6), Mitchell (6), Kamada (6), Wharton (7), Clyne (6), Pino (6), Sarr (6), Mateta (6)
Subs: Nketiah (6), Hughes (6), Uche (6)
Manchester City:
Donnarumma (7), Nunes (8), Dias (7), Gvardiol (7), O’Reilly (7), Gonzalez (7), Silva (7), Reijnders (6), Foden (8), Cherki (7), Haaland (8)
Subs: Savinho (7)
Player of the Match: Erling Haaland
With their attack firing and key players like Haaland and Foden in outstanding form, City’s title charge is gathering momentum again — and Arsenal know they cannot afford many slips with Guardiola’s side looming just two points behind.
