Haaland leads Manchester City to 3-0 win over Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Manchester City 3-0 Crystal Palace as Haaland Keeps Title Race Alive

Manchester City continued their relentless Premier League pursuit with a composed 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, a scoreline that reflected both their efficiency and their growing momentum at a crucial stage of the season. With Erling Haaland once again decisive, City ensured the pressure remains firmly on Arsenal at the summit, even if events elsewhere ultimately denied them top spot by the end of the weekend.

There was genuine incentive heading into the fixture. City had reason to believe the door might open after Wolves struck late against Arsenal, briefly hinting at a shift at the top. That hope was swiftly closed, but Guardiola’s side still had a job to do. In south London, they delivered with the assurance of champions who understand the demands of a title run in.

Crystal Palace were competitive, organised, and ambitious early on, and for a spell looked capable of unsettling City’s rhythm. Ultimately, however, quality and composure told.

Palace early promise lacks decisive edge

City’s control of possession was evident, but Palace created the clearest chance of the opening period. A clever run in behind, crafted from Adam Wharton’s delicate pass, allowed Yeremy Pino a clear sight of goal. His effort struck the crossbar, a moment that encapsulated Palace’s evening. The intent was there, the execution not quite.

Palace continued to show enterprise, moving the ball sharply and finding space between City’s lines. Yet without a clinical touch in the final third, those promising moments passed without reward. At this level, such opportunities cannot be squandered.

As the half edged towards its conclusion, City made their superiority count.

Haaland and Foden impose control

The breakthrough arrived shortly before the interval. Matheus Nunes delivered from the right, and Haaland, typically economical in his involvement, attacked the space at the back post to head home with conviction. It was a reminder of the Norwegian’s efficiency, requiring little service to leave a decisive mark.

Palace began the second half with renewed energy. Wharton came close to ending his wait for a Palace goal with a fierce strike that crashed against the post, and Tijjani Reijnders later tested Dean Henderson with a low effort that demanded a sharp save.

Those moments briefly threatened to inject uncertainty, but City soon reasserted their authority. Phil Foden doubled the advantage with a finish of real quality, finding space on the edge of the area before guiding the ball home with precision. The goal drained belief from the hosts and allowed City to dictate the closing stages.

Late on, Savinho was fouled in the area by Henderson, and Haaland stepped forward to convert the penalty with calm assurance. His second goal sealed the 3-0 scoreline and underlined his growing influence as the season unfolds.

Guardiola momentum strengthens title challenge

Beyond the immediate result, the wider implications for the Premier League race are significant. City have reduced the gap at the top once more, demonstrating an ability to maintain pressure and capitalise on any hesitation from their rivals.

Guardiola’s side are finding rhythm at precisely the right time. They are the division’s leading scorers and have now won four consecutive league matches while scoring at least three goals in each. That consistency reflects a team sharpening its edge as the stakes rise.

Haaland remains central to that surge. Fresh from scoring the decisive goal in a Champions League victory at Real Madrid, he again delivered when it mattered. Often peripheral in build up, he requires only moments to tilt matches in City’s favour. His league tally now stands at 17, an ominous marker for those ahead of City in the table.

Alongside him, Foden’s form continues to gather momentum. His goal against Palace extended an impressive scoring run across competitions and served as another reminder of his growing authority in big moments.

For Crystal Palace, there were positives in structure and ambition, but the gulf in cutting edge proved decisive. For Manchester City, this was another measured step forward. The title race remains finely poised, and City are moving through it with quiet, ruthless intent.