Manchester City delivered a statement performance in the Premier League, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to keep the pressure firmly on league leaders Arsenal.
City moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the table thanks to a convincing display that combined clinical finishing with defensive control. The win maintains Manchester City’s momentum in the title race as the season approaches its decisive stages.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a powerful header, directing Matheus Nunes’s cross past the Palace goalkeeper. City’s momentum continued in the second half when Phil Foden doubled the lead with a precise finish from outside the box.
Haaland then wrapped up the scoring in the 89th minute from the penalty spot, following a foul on Savinho that was upheld by VAR.
The brace takes Haaland’s Premier League tally higher, reinforcing his reputation as one of the division’s most feared strikers, while Foden’s goal underlines his growing influence on City’s attacking output.
The result makes it clear that the title race is far from over. Arsenal, who earlier edged Wolves 2–1 thanks to two late own goals, had looked poised to build a healthy lead at the summit, but City’s win ensures the gap remains narrow and the contest competitive.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s resilience after the match, highlighting his squad’s ability to grind out results even when not at their fluid best. Meanwhile, Palace coach Oliver Glasner acknowledged that his side created chances but lacked the cutting edge to convert opportunities into goals.
With Arsenal leading the Premier League but only by a slim margin, City’s win has effectively kept the pressure on, making every remaining match crucial for both sides. The title chase promises to go down to the wire, with momentum shifting week by week.
What’s next?
Manchester City vs Brentford — Wednesday (League Cup QF)
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Thursday (Europa Conference League)
Manchester City vs West Ham — (next PL fixture)
Leeds vs Crystal Palace — Saturday (next PL fixture)
