Pep Guardiola pleased with Phil Foden performance in Manchester City win over Crystal Palace

Manchester City remained firmly in pursuit of Arsenal, narrowing their advantage at the summit of the standings to just two points with two fixtures still to play, overwhelming Crystal Palace even after making six adjustments to the side.

Phil Foden earned an uncommon spot in the initial lineup, delivering assists for the opening pair of goals netted by Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush, providing Semenyo with a shrewd back-heel pass that sent the City supporters into raptures.

"You need the quality, the spark, the talent, the vision, something," Guardiola remarked about Foden. "It's not in the tactical boards, it's not in the meetings, it's not in the videos, it's not even the trainings.

"(Foden) receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. Like the good players, he can deliver and I'm really pleased for him, his performance as a whole."

Guardiola shuffled his personnel ahead of the FA Cup final versus Chelsea on Saturday, while Foden, who faces slim prospects of selection for Thomas Tuchel's England roster at the World Cup owing chiefly to his restricted minutes on the pitch, established the rhythm of the match.

Foden highlighted the significance of Guardiola's squad depth during this crucial phase of the campaign.

"Massively important at this stage of the season to have fresh lads coming in," Foden commented. "We were all excited to play and we were ready. It's a massive game, must-win, so we are really happy."

The 25-year-old, who has shown patience amid challenges this term, was thrilled to leave his imprint.

"Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points, which is the most important," Foden stated.

"I would say I had a good half season, the first half, and dropped off a bit, then struggled to find my place in the team. It happens when you have quality players around you. You have to wait, be patient, train as hard as you can, and when you get your moment you have to take it."

Guardiola recognises that Manchester City cannot dictate their own destiny.

Should Arsenal triumph over Burnley on Monday, City will need to overcome Bournemouth, who boast a 16-match unbeaten streak and eye European spots, the day after. Their season concludes versus Aston Villa on May 24.

"I cannot ask for more. And now just incredible focus for the last two (league games)," Guardiola declared. "But I would say, wow, the next contender is Bournemouth, look what they are doing this season, and after, Aston Villa - they are not easy ones, but just focusing and see what happens."