Haaland, Foden score as Man City thrash Palace at Selhurst Park

Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City cruised to a 3–0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, tightening the title race and cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top to two points.

City took the lead four minutes before half-time when Matheus Nunes delivered a precise cross to the back post for Haaland to power home a header.

Despite Palace creating early chances, including Yeremy Pino striking the crossbar after breaking the offside trap, the hosts were unable to make their pressure count.

Crystal Palace came close again early in the second half as Adam Wharton’s fierce effort rattled the post, but City’s quality told. Phil Foden doubled the advantage on 69 minutes with a composed finish, continuing his impressive run of form.

Haaland sealed the win late on, calmly converting a penalty after Savinho was fouled by goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The victory marked City’s fourth consecutive league win, each by a margin of at least three goals, underlining their attacking strength.

Haaland’s brace took his league tally to 17 for the season, reinforcing his status as City’s key weapon in the title chase. Foden’s goal was his sixth in his last five appearances across all competitions.

For Palace, the result was a frustrating one. Oliver Glasner’s side hit the woodwork twice and showed promise in midfield, with Wharton particularly influential, but a lack of clinical finishing proved costly.

The defeat extends Palace’s long winless home run against City to 11 league games, a sequence stretching back ten years, though they remain fifth in the table after their strong start to the season.

What’s next

Crystal Palace host Finnish side KuPS in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Manchester City face Brentford at home in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Player of the Match: Erling Haaland