“City Crush Palace to Intensify Pressure on Arsenal”

Manchester City reinforced their pursuit of the Premier League title with a commanding 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace, courtesy of a brace from Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. The result not only secured all three points at the Etihad Stadium but also applied renewed pressure on league leaders Arsenal.

The weekend had seen Arsenal drop points against Wolves, allowing City to edge closer at the top of the table. Despite Wolves’ late own goal gifting Arsenal a reprieve, City’s performance against Palace ensured that Mikel Arteta’s side remains under scrutiny as the title race intensifies.

The match began with Crystal Palace creating an early chance, but their finishing let them down. City gradually asserted control, and it was Haaland who broke the deadlock just before half-time. In the 41st minute, a precise back-post cross from Matheus Nunes found the towering Norwegian, who rose above the defenders to head City into a 1–0 lead.

After the interval, City continued to press. Adam Wharton came close to scoring, testing Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, but the ball cannoned off the post. Wharton, who joined City last season from Blackburn, is yet to open his account for the club, leaving him still searching for his first senior goal.

The second goal arrived in the 69th minute through a moment of exquisite skill from Phil Foden. Ryan Sherki broke past three Palace defenders before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Foden, whose controlled left-foot strike doubled City’s advantage. With Haaland already on target earlier, the game was effectively sealed as a contest.

The final flourish came courtesy of Haaland once more. Palace’s Savinio drove into the box on a lone run and was brought down by goalkeeper Dean Henderson, conceding a penalty. Haaland calmly converted from the spot, completing his brace and cementing City’s 3–0 victory.

The win keeps City within striking distance of Arsenal, highlighting Pep Guardiola’s side’s ruthless efficiency and the ongoing threat posed by Haaland at the summit of English football.

Match Summary