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A much-changed Manchester City secured at least one more week in the Premier League title race with a 3-0 win over a confident Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola’s side trail Arsenal by two points with two games remaining and Mikel Arteta’s side cannot catch their rivals if they are perfect between now and May 24. Everton last week
But if Arsenal slip up – at Burnley or at Crystal Palace on the final day – City have the chance to strike. There will be no precedent for that scene; No team in the history of the top division has overturned a five-point deficit at the end of May to win the title.
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Antoine Semenyo finished off a delightful Phil Foden backheel assist to open the scoring in Manchester City’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
But City’s last two performances, both 3-0 wins, have made them believe it is possible. Guardiola’s full-time fist pump gave an impression he has yet to admit. Even the lesser-seen Phil Foden made a compelling case, his twin assists in the first half putting the hosts into the lead, from which they never looked back.
The opener was special. A moment of natural talent from Foden, as he produced in his vintage years – when City last won the title in 2023/24. His clever flick found Antoine Semenyo on the move and the forward arrowed a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Omar Marmoush was the second beneficiary, pouncing on a cross that was cleverly beaten by Dean Henderson before Foden headed it into his path.
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Marmoush doubled Manchester City’s lead to keep league leaders Arsenal under pressure.
Both managers made second-half changes to save the leg with the grand final on the horizon. City play Chelsea in the FA Cup showpiece at Wembley in three days’ time, while Palace contest the Conference League final at the end of the month.
Neither wanted to overexert themselves in a second half that resembled more formality than a football match – that is, until Ryan Cherky threaded a lovely pass to Savinho and he added a late third. Three big chances were created, three turned into displays of super-skills.
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Pep Guardiola shares a hilarious post-match moment with Crystal Palace players following Manchester City’s win at the Etihad
Guardiola has never gone to a country he has managed without back-to-back league titles.
He and his players are putting all their reserves of energy into maintaining that record. “We have to keep pushing and keep Arsenal on their toes,” insisted Foden Later, adding: “We have our share of the game.”
Pep praised Eck Foden
Man City the boss Pep Guardiola:
“These kinds of games against low blocks, they defend very well, you need quality, spark, talent. Something that is not on the tactical board, not in the meeting, not in training.
“Phil takes the ball in small spaces and creates something. Good players deliver; I’m pleased for him.
“It’s a position he’s not used to as a holding midfielder. But I saw he was outstanding against Brentford. He helped in that position. And then Phil is absolutely unique.”
Glassner: We didn’t stick to the game plan
Crystal Palace the boss Oliver Glasner:
“We have to accept that Man City were too good for us. You have to give your best performance at the Etihad and we didn’t give that today. It was OK in some parts, but not in others. We weren’t at our best and that’s why we lost.
“We moved the ball too slowly in possession, we didn’t stick to the plan. We were too slow in our preparation. We lost the ball too easily. Today the players didn’t give what we wanted. Then you see their quality, it’s unpredictable.
“We had to manage minutes. It’s not related to fatigue. Going to City to get points or more, you have to do better.”
