Erling Haaland scores twice as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park to cut Arsenal’s Premier League lead to two points.
Manchester City maintained their Premier League title push with a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace. Erling Haaland scored either side of Phil Foden’s strike to seal a clinical victory. The result moved City back within two points of leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side were made to work for their success in south London. Palace created early chances and tested City’s composure. In the end, City’s quality in front of goal proved decisive.
The hosts almost took a shock lead inside the opening minutes. Yeremy Pino broke the offside trap and struck the crossbar when through on goal. It was a let-off for City and a sign of Palace’s intent.
Adam Wharton also impressed early, dictating play in midfield. Palace looked confident on the break and carried a real threat. However, they struggled to turn promising moments into goals despite having an expected goals of 2.08 xG compared to City’s 1.19 xG.
City gradually took control of possession but lacked penetration. Their breakthrough arrived four minutes before halftime. Matheus Nunes delivered a high cross to the back post. Haaland rose above the defence and powered a header past Dean Henderson. It was his 16th league goal of the season. City went into the break with a narrow but valuable lead.
Palace came out with renewed energy after halftime. Wharton came close to equalising when his fierce drive struck the base of the post. Selhurst Park sensed an opening as City wobbled briefly. City responded by slowing the tempo and protecting possession. Dean Henderson kept Palace in the game with a smart save from Tijjani Reijnders. The visitors remained patient.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 69th minute. Rayan Cherki drove forward from midfield and slipped the ball into space. Phil Foden took a touch and drilled a low shot into the corner. It was Foden’s sixth goal in his last five games in all competitions. The strike took the sting out of Palace’s resistance. City suddenly looked in full control.
Palace pushed players forward in search of a response. That left space for City on the counter. Substitute Savinho burst into the box and was fouled by Henderson. Haaland calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 89th minute. The goal took his league tally to 17 for the season. It also underlined City’s ruthless edge.
City have now won four straight league games, scoring at least three goals in each. They remain the division’s top scorers with 37 goals. Haaland continues to lead the line with efficiency and volume. Foden’s form has been another major boost for Guardiola. Cherki also impressed with his direct running and assist. For Palace, Wharton stood out despite the defeat.
Crystal Palace return to action on Thursday in the UEFA Conference League. Oliver Glasner’s side host Finnish club KuPS as they look to bounce back from this defeat. The Eagles then turn their attention to league duties next weekend when they face Leeds United away from home. Manchester City face Brentford on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Guardiola may rotate his squad with a busy schedule ahead. City then resume their Premier League campaign next weekend when they play Brentford aiming to keep pressure on Arsenal.
