Manchester City moved back within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland scored twice in a clinical 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal’s late win over Wolves on Saturday had extended the gap to five points but Haaland’s double, and a sixth goal in five games from Phil Foden, made it four straight Premier League wins for City.

Haaland headed the opener from Matheus Nunes’ precise cross in the first half and added his second from the penalty spot late on after Foden had continued his rich vein of goalscoring form by beating Dean Henderson from outside the box.

City’s ruthless display left Palace, winners over Pep Guardiola’s side in the FA Cup final in May, to rue a series of missed chances, with Yeremy Pino and Adam Wharton both striking the woodwork.

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While Arsenal made hard work of their win over Wolves, City ran out comfortable winners in the end as their title charge continues to gather momentum thanks in part to the fine form of their attackers.

Foden’s goal, arrowed low into the net from 20 yards out following a driving run by Rayan Cherki, came in front of the watching Thomas Tuchel as the England boss continues to ponder his options in the No 10 position ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Palace continued to push to get back into the game, with Eddie Nketiah forcing a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma on the angle, but Haaland put the result beyond doubt when he converted his spot kick after substitute Savinho had been fouled by Henderson.

The goal, Haaland’s 17th of the season in the Premier League, came after the Palace ‘keeper had saved his penalty in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May and put the seal on an impressive victory which underlines City’s title credentials, even if the scoreline was harsh on Palace on the balance of play.

While City move closer to Arsenal in second, Palace remain fifth, two points behind Chelsea following their win over Everton on Saturday.

Guardiola: A really difficult game

Man City boss Pep Guardiola said: “It was difficult. Ruthless is the word. It’s a lot of work behind it.

“They are so strong. Every time we play with them it’s so difficult. The physicality, the transitions, how they defend, all the actions.

“It was a really difficult game. We knew it but we prepared really well after a tough game against Madrid.

“We are really pleased for many things that are going to happen inside the locker room.

“We have to improve many things. Madrid gave me a lot of signals that we are still not ready, not in terms of mentality but in terms of how to approach certain games.

“They are young players but of course we are really pleased because I know how tough they are. Making it 3-0 here is a good sign for us.”

Analysis: Haaland and Man City looking ominous

Manchester City were not perfect in this game. Far from it. They rode their luck at times, with the hosts twice hitting the woodwork. The final scoreline flattered them.

But to win by three goals at one of the most difficult grounds in the country, only days after what Guardiola described as an “emotionally draining” win over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu was impressive going. “A good sign,” said their manager.

Not for the first time, it was Haaland who broke the game open, heading home his first effort on goal of the afternoon from Nunes’ cross. Sometimes, one chance is all he needs. It was a crucial goal which changed the momentum of the game.

Manchester City had hardly threatened before that but Haaland seized his moment and kept his cool for his second too.

“Where were you at Wembley?” asked the home fans in reference to the FA Cup final, when he saw a spot kick saved by Dean Henderson. This time he made no mistake, enjoying the celebrations in front of the Holmesdale End.

His scoring rate is such that it has become routine to see him find the back of the net. He is now up to 17 for the season in the Premier League. Guardiola is having to iron out flaws on the fly but Haaland’s form continues to be ominous for their title rivals.

Glasner: Man City were better in the boxes

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said: “For me the result doesn’t reflect the performance we showed.

“We just have to accept that City were better in the boxes, and better and more efficient than we were.

“They took their chances, we missed them, and yeah, that’s why we lost in the end.”

Opta stats: Unlucky Palace?

• Crystal Palace have struck the woodwork eight times in the Premier League this season, with only Manchester United and Newcastle United doing so more often (nine). They struck the woodwork twice in the same game for the second time this season, also doing so against West Ham in September.
• Phil Foden has scored in four consecutive Premier Leagues matches (six goals) for the second time in his career, also doing so in January 2025 (also six goals).
• Manchester City managed four touches in the opposition box in the first half. They have only managed fewer in three Premier League matches under Pep Guardiola – three vs Arsenal in September 2025, three vs Manchester United in March 2020 and three vs Liverpool in December 2016.

Story of the match in stats…

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