Haaland's Brilliant Display Powers Man City to Victory Against Palace in Title Pursuit

Manchester City narrowed the distance to Premier League frontrunners Arsenal thanks to Erling Haaland's brace which powered a 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's team in second position drew level to just two points behind Arsenal following a determined victory at Selhurst Park.

The Norwegian forward Haaland struck first towards the end of the opening period while England's Phil Foden added to the score after the interval.

Haaland claimed his 23rd goal of the campaign to secure City's fifth straight victory across all tournaments.

Arsenal's thrilling last-minute success against relegation-threatened Wolves on Saturday had intensified the pressure on City to deliver. Guardiola's squad rose to the challenge surmounting a disjointed performance largely due to their sharp finishing.

"Erling serves as a striker to find the net but during the second half he retained possession effectively. He managed various scenarios. He aided our unity. In the latter period he shone brightly," Guardiola commented.

Following their comeback 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in the prestigious midweek Champions League encounter a journey to chilly south London to confront their FA Cup final victors presented a contrasting challenge.

City met Palace for the initial occasion since their unexpected FA Cup final setback to the Eagles at Wembley in May.

Glasner had outmanoeuvred Guardiola with a tactical triumph in that final.

However City settled that score to maintain the title contest alive before the intense festive schedule.

"This venue proves particularly challenging. When possession is lost they counter exceptionally well yet we remained composed. We benefited from fortune as they struck the upright but truly delighted with the display and success to strengthen our resolve," Guardiola noted.

"During the initial half we hurried excessively. We discussed the areas to penetrate but lacked sufficient patience. Subsequently we controlled the pace appropriately."

Resilient City

Yeremy Pino could have capitalised on City's defensive weaknesses when Adam Wharton's exquisite pass propelled him beyond the away side's shaky high line yet his effort crashed against the bar with only Gianluigi Donnarumma to overcome.

With Palace arranged to counter City's assaults Guardiola's players found it difficult to establish a consistent flow for extended spells and Pino posed another danger with a driven shot that compelled Donnarumma to intervene.

City required half an hour to produce their initial effort on goal as Foden's free kick was deflected by Dean Henderson.

Haaland had seen minimal involvement prior to giving City the lead in his characteristic poacher's style during the 41st minute.

Matheus Nunes delivered a precise curving delivery to the back post and Haaland evaded Chris Richards to powerfully head beyond Henderson from close range.

Donnarumma maintained City's advantage diving to thwart Jean-Philippe Mateta at his feet and then blocking the Frenchman's effort from near quarters.

Palace had secured four triumphs in their prior six league fixtures suffering defeat just once and they came perilously close to levelling after the restart when Wharton dispossessed Nico Gonzalez and fired against the post from distance.

Lacking Belgian winger Jeremy Doku owing to a lower limb issue City fell short of their peak form and Guardiola's irritation peaked as he clashed with Glasner along the sideline.

Nevertheless Foden alleviated Guardiola's concerns with his sixth league strike in four recent outings in the 69th minute.

Rayan Cherki initiated the move with an energetic advance into the Palace penalty area before Foden rifled a precise low shot beyond Henderson from 18 yards.

Haaland sealed City's determined success in the 89th minute coolly deceiving Henderson from the spot after the Palace custodian had tripped Savinho.