Phil Foden delivered an impressive performance as Manchester City closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just two points with a solid 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Foden assisted both Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush for goals in the first half, before Savinho sealed the game with a late third goal, keeping City’s slim title hopes alive at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
With just two games left for both title competitors, City still have a shot at clinching their seventh league title in the past nine years.
However, after Pep Guardiola made six player changes and the match unfolded in a lackluster atmosphere, it seemed that there was an acknowledgment of the steep odds against them, with sights set on the upcoming FA Cup final.
City appeared frantic against Brentford last Saturday, but Arsenal’s win over West Ham on Sunday seemed to shift the mood significantly.
City arguably gained an advantage from competing against a Palace side that may already be looking ahead to the Conference League final. However, based on this performance, the Eagles can expect little leniency when they face Arsenal next.
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A standout performer was Foden, making his first Premier League start in over two months, showcasing why the club is eager to renew his contract after two seasons marred by form and fitness issues.
His inclusion, alongside Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jérémy Doku who were all benched, hinted at Guardiola’s focus on the upcoming Wembley match against Chelsea.
City’s start was sluggish, and Palace nearly scored early on. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s effort appeared to cross the line, but Gianluigi Donnarumma managed to claw it back, while Brennan Johnson was flagged offside in the build-up.
Yéremy Pino had another close attempt, with a shot narrowly deflected wide, and Chris Richards headed over from the ensuing corner.
As City steadied themselves, Foden shone, providing a clever backheel assist to Semenyo, who finished with precision. Shortly after, Palace had a chance to equalize as Tyrick Mitchell tested Donnarumma, but Marmoush slipped past defenders to double City’s lead, converting after Foden brought down a high pass.
Foden nearly added to his assists tally when he set up Josko Gvardiol, returning from injury, but Henderson denied the header.
Palace attempted a comeback after halftime, with Ismaïla Sarr testing Donnarumma again, and Jorgen Strand Larsen missing a key chance.
Nevertheless, the visitors struggled to consistently threaten City, and substitute Cherki’s combination with Savinho capped off the scoring six minutes before the final whistle.