Ruthless City Sweep Past Palace to Keep Pressure on Arsenal

Manchester City continued their impressive away form with a commanding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, securing a third consecutive win on the road and stretching their unbeaten run in Premier League away head-to-heads against the Eagles to 11 matches.

The opening stages suggested fatigue from City’s midweek European exploits, as Palace seized the early momentum. Adam Wharton’s clever pass released Yéremy Pino after 15 minutes, but the winger’s strike rattled the crossbar with Gianluigi Donnarumma beaten. Ismaïla Sarr then delivered a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, only for Jean-Philippe Mateta to narrowly miss the decisive touch.

City’s first real chance came from a set-piece, with Phil Foden curling a free-kick around the wall, only to see Dean Henderson parry it away. Yet the inevitable breakthrough arrived before half-time when Erling Haaland rose highest at the far post to nod in Matheus Nunes’ pinpoint delivery, giving City the lead with his trademark precision.

Palace responded after the interval, with Wharton striking the woodwork from distance in a bid to level the score. Henderson produced a fine save to deny Tijjani Reijnders, but City soon doubled their advantage. Foden, in scintillating form this season, surged through midfield before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Oliver Glasner’s men pushed forward in search of a late lifeline, introducing Christantus Uche for Nathaniel Clyne, but their attacking gamble left them exposed. Savinho broke clear and was brought down by Henderson inside the box, allowing Haaland to step up and calmly convert from the spot to seal the result.

The victory keeps City firmly in pursuit of Arsenal at the Premier League summit, while Palace missed the chance to climb back into the top four. Despite sitting just two points adrift, Glasner’s side will rue missed opportunities in a contest where City’s ruthlessness ultimately proved decisive.