City keep pace with Arsenal after win over Palace | OneFootball

Manchester City defended their ten-year unbeaten streak at Selhurst Park after defeating Crystal Palace with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden on target.

This was the first meeting between the two teams since last season's FA Cup final which the Eagles won.

This time the result was different as Pep Guardiola's team controlled the ball possession but struggled against the opponents' direct approach.

The Eagles hit the post with Yeremy Pino and posed a threat twice with Jean-Philippe Mateta, causing concern for the visiting defence.

Crystal Palace had only 29% of the ball possession in the first half but managed seven attempts compared to City's two. However, it was City who wen into half-time in the lead.

With 41 minutes gone, Matheus Nunes received the ball freely and crossed it to Erling Haaland who scored his 35th goal of the season.

The penalty for leaving the top scorer unmarked forced Palace to change their strategy in the second half, seeking more possession and attacking play, but this opened up space for City to counter-attack.

Four minutes in, Adam Wharton hit the post of Gigi Donnarumma and Tijjani Reijnders responded by testing Henderson.

City extended their lead in 69th minute after good play from Rayan Cherki who found Phil Foden on the edge of the box. The English international struck an unstoppable shot and confirmed the victory for the citizens.

In the final moments, Savinho, who had just come on, led another fast counter-attack, dribbled past the goalkeeper and was brought down in the box. Haaland expertly executed the penalty and sealed the victory.

With this result, Pep Guardiola's team reached 34 points and kept the gap to two points from the leaders Arsenal, who also won their match.