Manchester City secured an important 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, showing clinical quality in front of goal despite being tested for long spells by the hosts. Pep Guardiola’s side made it five wins in a row across all competitions and kept the pressure firmly on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

City were dealt an early setback before kick-off when winger Jérémy Doku was ruled out with a leg injury, prompting Tijjani Reijnders to step into the starting XI. Despite dominating possession early on, City were disrupted by a head injury to Joško Gvardiol, which slowed their momentum and allowed Palace to grow into the game.

Crystal Palace created the better chances during an open first half. Yéremy Pino was particularly dangerous, striking the crossbar and forcing City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into action, while Jean-Philippe Mateta also went close after breaking in behind the City defence. Palace repeatedly exploited space behind Guardiola’s high defensive line but failed to convert their opportunities.

City made their advantage count shortly before half-time. Sustained pressure pinned Palace deep, and a well-worked move down the right ended with Matheus Nunes delivering a teasing cross for Erling Haaland, who headed home unmarked to give City a 1-0 lead against the run of play.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Palace pushing for an equaliser. Adam Wharton struck the post early on, and Ismaïla Sarr was denied by a crucial last-ditch challenge as the home side continued to threaten. However, City’s composure eventually told.

In the 69th minute, Rayan Cherki produced a moment of brilliance, driving at the Palace defence before laying the ball off to Phil Foden, who fired a precise low shot from outside the box to double City’s advantage. The goal drained the energy from the home crowd and shifted control firmly in City’s favour.

Palace continued to search for a lifeline, forcing Donnarumma into several strong saves, but City defended resolutely. The visitors sealed the result late on when Savinho burst into the penalty area and was fouled by Dean Henderson. After a brief delay, Haaland calmly converted the spot-kick to claim his second goal of the afternoon and put the result beyond doubt.

Match Verdict

Manchester City may have ridden their luck at times, but their superior quality in decisive moments proved the difference. Crystal Palace created enough chances to make the contest uncomfortable, yet wasteful finishing and City’s resilience ultimately cost them. Haaland’s brace and Foden’s second-half strike ensured a commanding scoreline that did not fully reflect the balance of play.

With this win, Guardiola’s side leave a difficult venue with maximum points, extend their winning run, and keep their Premier League title ambitions firmly on track.