Haaland hits. City close in. Arsenal feel it

Statement win at Selhurst Park

Manchester City kept the title pressure firmly on Arsenal with an impressive 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace, moving back to within two points of the Premier League summit. Pep Guardiola’s side made it four league wins in a row with a performance built on patience, quality, and ruthless finishing.

Palace threaten early

Crystal Palace started with intent and caused City real problems while the game was goalless. Yéremy Pino was a constant menace, striking the crossbar with a superb early half-volley and repeatedly unsettling City’s back line with his movement and aggression.

Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton also found space through midfield, while Ismaïla Sarr’s dangerous deliveries asked serious questions of the visitors’ defence.

City weather the storm

Despite enjoying long spells of possession, City initially struggled to turn control into clear chances. Palace’s energy and physicality disrupted City’s rhythm, and there were moments when Guardiola’s side looked vulnerable, particularly through the centre.

However, as so often, City grew into the contest and began to pick their moments.

Haaland breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough arrived just before half-time. Matheus Nunes delivered a high cross from the right, Chris Richards misjudged the flight, and Erling Haaland rose highest to power a header into the turf and beyond Dean Henderson.

It was a classic Haaland goal, perfectly timed and utterly decisive.

Second-half resistance

Palace refused to fold and came close to an equaliser early in the second half when Wharton’s low drive clipped the base of the post. Henderson also reacted sharply to deny Tijani Reijnders as City continued to absorb pressure.

At this stage, the contest still hung in the balance.

Foden delivers the killer blow

The game swung decisively in the 69th minute. A driving run from City’s French midfielder shattered Palace’s shape before the ball was worked to Phil Foden, who took one touch and rifled a precise finish into the bottom corner.

Palace were forced to chase the game and left spaces behind.

Haaland seals it

Those spaces proved costly. Substitute Savinho broke clear late on and was hauled down by Henderson, allowing Haaland to calmly convert from the penalty spot and complete a convincing scoreline.

The 3–0 margin may have flattered City, but the champions once again showed why they remain relentless in the title race.