Manchester City continued their Premier League title push with a convincing 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The win ensured Pep Guardiola’s side stayed firmly on Arsenal’s heels at the top of the table, showing their trademark efficiency after withstanding early pressure from the hosts.
Palace Start Bright but Miss Key Chances
Crystal Palace began the match with confidence and energy. The home side created the better chances in the first half and looked capable of troubling City’s defence. Their best opportunity fell to Yeremy Pino, who should have scored after being played through by Adam Wharton. With the goal at his mercy, Pino struck the crossbar, wasting a golden chance.
Palace continued to push forward. Ismaila Sarr caused problems on the flank, while Jean-Philippe Mateta hovered dangerously in the box. Despite their intent and tempo, Palace failed to convert their dominance into goals.
City Struggle Early but Strike Clinically
Manchester City offered very little going forward for much of the first half. Their only notable moment came when Phil Foden tested goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a curling free-kick. Palace fans sensed an opportunity, but City’s quality eventually told.
In the 41st minute, City struck with their first real chance. Matheus Nunes delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Erling Haaland rose powerfully to head home. The finish was unstoppable. It was Haaland’s first sight of goal, and it proved decisive before the break.
Palace Hit the Woodwork Again After Restart
Crystal Palace came out strongly after halftime, desperate for an equaliser. Just three minutes into the second half, Adam Wharton unleashed a low shot that beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, only for the ball to crash against the post. It summed up Palace’s afternoon of near misses.
As Palace committed more players forward, gaps began to appear at the back. City, patient and composed, waited for the right moment to exploit them.
Foden Delivers the Killer Blow
With 20 minutes remaining, Phil Foden ended Palace’s hopes. The midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a precise shot past Henderson. It was Foden’s sixth goal in his last five matches, underlining his red-hot form and growing influence in City’s attack.
Haaland Seals It from the Spot
City made the result inevitable late on. In the 89th minute, Henderson brought down Savinho inside the penalty area. Haaland stepped up amid loud taunts from Palace supporters, referencing his missed penalty in last season’s FA Cup final. The Norwegian striker stayed composed and sent Henderson the wrong way to make it 3–0.
The goal was Haaland’s 17th league strike in 16 matches, once again highlighting his lethal consistency.
City Avenge FA Cup Final Defeat
This match marked City’s first meeting with Palace since their shock defeat in the FA Cup final. On this occasion, the roles were reversed. Palace dominated early but failed to score. City, ruthless as ever, punished every mistake.
Title Race Remains Tight
The victory was City’s fourth consecutive league win. They remain second in the table with 34 points from 16 games, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. Crystal Palace sit fifth with 26 points, encouraged by their performance but frustrated by the outcome.
Manchester City’s ability to absorb pressure and strike decisively once again underlined why they remain serious title contenders.
