A clinical Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City overcame a stern test to defeat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The victory keeps the reigning champions hot on the heels of league leaders Arsenal.
Haaland Double Powers Manchester City to 3-0 Win at Crystal Palace
Despite the convincing final score, Pep Guardiola’s side endured a difficult first half.
Palace created the clearer openings and came within inches of taking the lead when Yeremy Pino rattled the crossbar.
City offered little threat until a moment of precision broke the deadlock just before halftime.
Matheus Nunes delivered a perfect cross and Haaland powered a header past Dean Henderson for his first real chance of the game.
Palace started the second half strongly and nearly equalized immediately when Adam Wharton’s low drive struck the post.
That missed opportunity proved pivotal as City steadily tightened their grip on the match.
With Palace pushing forward for a leveller, space opened up for the visitors. Phil Foden exploited it in the 69th minute, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and firing a low shot into the net for his sixth goal in five games.
City sealed the three points in the 89th minute after Henderson fouled Savinho in the area.
Haaland stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his brace and take his Premier League tally to 17 for the season.
The result secures City’s fourth consecutive league win, moving them to 34 points from 16 games, just two points behind Arsenal.
Crystal Palace, who competed well for long periods, remain fifth with 26 points.
