Erling Haaland netted two goals to assist Manchester City in overcoming Crystal Palace and keeping the heat on Premier League frontrunners Arsenal.
City must have been looking to secure the top position on Saturday night when Wolves scored a late equaliser at Arsenal, but Yerson Mosquera’s own goal in injury time offered much-needed comfort to Mikel Arteta’s team.
City performed well in the capital, but it wasn’t entirely straightforward, as Palace created the best chance early on.
Yeremy Pino slipped past the offside trap from Adam Wharton’s chipped pass, but he could only hit the crossbar while facing Gianluigi Donnarumma one-on-one.
The hosts generated opportunities but couldn’t find the final touch, and that shortage of precision became expensive when Matheus Nunes delivered a cross to the back post for Haaland to power in a header four minutes before the break.
England international Wharton has yet to score for Palace since arriving from Blackburn in February 2024, but nearly ended his drought at the beginning of the second half when a powerful shot struck the base of the post.
Dean Henderson denied Tijjani Reijnders’ low shot before Phil Foden scored a superb finish, and Haaland later sealed a third goal from the penalty spot after Savinho was fouled by the Palace keeper
