Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just two points
MANCHESTER CITY closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland’s double inspired a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side moved within two points of Arsenal after a hard-fought success at Selhurst Park.
Norway striker Haaland opened the scoring late in the first half and England forward Phil Foden netted after the break.
Haaland bagged his 23rd goal this season to complete City’s fifth successive win in all competitions.
Arsenal’s dramatic late win over bottom of the table Wolves on Saturday had put pressure on City to respond.
Guardiola’s men were up to the task, overcoming a spluttering display in large part because of the quality of their finishing.
“Erling is a forward to score the goals but in the second half he keeps the ball,” Guardiola said.
“He was able to contain situations. He helped us be together. In the second half he was outstanding.”
After coming from behind to win at Real Madrid in midweek, a trip to face their FA Cup final conquerors was a testing trip for far different reasons.
City were facing Palace for the first time since their shock FA Cup final defeat against the Eagles at Wembley in May.
But City avenged that loss to keep the title race bubbling ahead of the hectic Christmas period.
“It is a really tough place to come,” Guardiola said.
“When you lose the ball they attack incredibly well but we were patient. We were lucky when they hit the post but really pleased for the performance and victory to grow our mentality.”
Yeremy Pino should have exploited City’s defensive frailty when Adam Wharton’s sublime pass sent him clear, but his shot smashed off the crossbar.
With Palace set up to neutralise City’s attacks, Guardiola’s men struggled to find any rhythm for long periods.
It took City half an hour to muster their first shot on target as Foden’s free-kick was parried by Dean Henderson.
Haaland had barely had a kick before he put City ahead in typically predatory fashion in the 41st minute.
Matheus Nunes curled a pin-point cross towards the far post and Haaland peeled away to thump a superb header past Henderson from six yards.
Gianluigi Donnarumma preserved City’s lead, diving at Jean-Philippe Mateta’s feet and then saving the France striker’s close-range effort.
Palace were inches away from a second half equaliser when Wharton robbed Nico Gonzalez and lashed against the post.
Without Belgian winger Jeremy Doku due to a leg injury, City were nowhere near the best and Guardiola’s frustration boiled over on the touchline.
But Foden eased Guardiola’s angst with his sixth league goal in his last four games in the 69th minute.
Rayan Cherki sparked the goal with a dynamic run before Foden arrowed a low drive past Henderson from 18 yards.
Haaland wrapped up City’s gritty win in the 89th minute, calmly sending Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot after the Palace keeper had fouled Savinho. – AFP
