“We Had to Suffer” – Haaland and Foden Keep City on Arsenal’s Heels
Manchester City’s title chase tightened again at Selhurst Park as Pep Guardiola’s side delivered a ruthless 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, followed by a late Haaland penalty, cut the gap to league leaders Arsenal to two points and underlined City’s growing momentum.
The scoreline suggested comfort. The reality was far more complex.
City arrived in south London knowing that anything less than a win would ease the pressure on Arsenal. What followed was a performance built as much on patience and resilience as on cutting edge, with Palace asking serious questions before City’s quality told.
Crystal Palace, energized under Oliver Glasner, began with intent. They pressed high, attacked space early, and created the game’s first clear opening while the contest was still goalless. City’s back line was stretched more than Guardiola would have liked, and the hosts will rue missed chances that might have changed the tone of the afternoon.
That inability to capitalize proved costly.
City, as they so often do, absorbed pressure and waited. Their possession was deliberate rather than dominant, probing without overcommitting. When the breakthrough came four minutes before halftime, it was classic City execution. A high cross from the right evaded the first defender, and Haaland rose with authority, powering a header down and beyond Dean Henderson to give the visitors a precious lead.
The goal shifted the psychological balance. Palace had competed well, but City had struck with their first moment of true incision.
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Palace continued to push, breaking through midfield lines and forcing City into defensive work. A powerful low drive rattled the base of the post, and for a spell the Etihad regulars looked uncomfortable. Yet the champions never panicked. They trusted their structure, their goalkeeper, and their ability to strike decisively.
That decisiveness arrived in the 69th minute. A surging run from midfield drew defenders and created just enough space for Phil Foden. One touch to set himself. One precise finish into the bottom corner. It was a goal that reflected his form—six goals in his last four Premier League appearances—and his growing importance in City’s attacking hierarchy.
For Palace, the task became desperate. Bodies went forward. Risks increased. And that, inevitably, played into City’s hands.
Moments after coming off the bench, Savinho burst clear on the counter and was brought down by Henderson. The penalty was inevitable. Haaland was emphatic from the spot, finding the corner and sealing both the points and his brace.
After the match, Guardiola praised his side’s resilience, describing it as a game they had to win “with control and character.” The numbers support that view. Four consecutive league victories. A clean sheet away from home. And another reminder that City, even when not at their fluent best, remain brutally efficient.
For Palace, the frustration will linger. Glasner could point to positive structure, midfield aggression, and chance creation, but also to the fine margins that separate competitiveness from results at this level. Missed opportunities against elite opponents are rarely forgiven.
The wider implications are unmistakable. City’s machine is warming up at precisely the right moment. Haaland looks sharp. Foden looks decisive. And the gap at the top remains narrow enough to keep the pressure relentless.
Arsenal may still lead the way, but City are no longer waiting quietly. They are moving steadily and purposefully, exactly as champions do.