Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal by securing a hard-fought victory over struggling Crystal Palace, reducing the margin at the top to a mere two points.
Despite starting purposefully, Pep Guardiola’s side had to remain patient at Selhurst Park before taking their opportunity to edge closer to the Gunners, who visit London rivals Fulham on Sunday (14:00 GMT).
Erling Haaland settled the match from the penalty spot for his 28th goal of the campaign, stroking his 78th-minute spot-kick into the bottom corner after Michael Olise’s late challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.
Despite Haaland going closest to scoring in the first half, he failed to hit the target following Nathan Ake’s pass into the six-yard box. The visitors had been unable to capitalise on their early momentum, which saw Rodri’s first-time effort force Vicente Guaita into action and Jack Grealish pull a low shot wide after he darted into the penalty area.
Palace pushed for a late equaliser against a retreating City, but it was to no avail as the hosts went on a record third successive league game without managing a shot on target. The defeat extends Palace’s concerning Premier League winless run to 10 matches – the longest in the division – and leaves Patrick Vieira’s side just four points above the relegation places.
Elsewhere, Chelsea made it back-to-back league wins with a routine 3-1 victory at Leicester City. It was a follow-up of their UEFA Champions League Victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Goals from Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic secured all three points for Graham Potter’s side while Patson Daka’s goal could only serve as a consolation to Leicester City.
Earlier in the day, Liverpool lost by 1-0 at Bournemouth, While there were wins for Everton and Tottenham Hotspurs while Brighton and Hove Albion played out a 2-2 Draw with Leeds United.