Manchester City claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden on target in a result that flattered the visitors despite a spirited Palace performance.
City took the lead against the run of play in the 41st minute when Haaland rose highest to power home a free header from a precise Matheus Nunes cross, punishing Palace for a series of missed chances in the opening half.
The hosts dominated large spells of the contest and came agonisingly close on several occasions, with Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino both striking the woodwork, but their lack of clinical finishing proved costly.
Palace continued to push after the break, yet City’s composure and defensive resilience held firm. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 68th minute through Phil Foden, who swept a calm finish into the corner from outside the box after neat build-up play involving Rayan Cherki.
Any hopes of a Palace comeback were finally extinguished late on when substitute Savinho was brought down by goalkeeper Dean Henderson, earning City a penalty. Haaland stepped up and sent Henderson the wrong way to register his second of the night and seal the points.
Despite the scoreline, Crystal Palace can take encouragement from their performance, having matched City for long spells, but Pep Guardiola’s side once again showed the ruthless edge that separates them from their opponents.
The win strengthens Manchester City’s push at the top of the Premier League table, while Palace are left to rue missed opportunities on an otherwise competitive afternoon.
