Erling Haaland once again played the role of Premier League executioner as Manchester City swept aside Crystal Palace to keep the heat firmly on leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola and his players would have sensed blood on Saturday night after Wolves stunned Arsenal with a late leveller. For a brief moment the title race looked wide open before Yerson Mosquera cruelly turned the ball into his own net to spare Mikel Arteta. City knew there would be no margin for error in south London and they delivered even if it was far from a stroll.
Crystal Palace came flying out of the blocks and should have taken the lead. Adam Wharton floated a delicious pass over the top to spring Yeremy Pino clear. The winger did everything right except the finish, rattling the crossbar when one on one with Gianluigi Donnarumma. It was a huge let off for City and one Palace would come to regret.
The hosts continued to ask questions but lacked the killer instinct that City possess in abundance. Four minutes before the break that difference told. Matheus Nunes bent a teasing cross to the back post and Haaland rose like a battering ram to thump his header beyond Dean Henderson.
Palace tried to respond after the restart and again went agonisingly close. Wharton unleashed a fierce strike that smashed against the post as City briefly wobbled. Tijjani Reijnders then forced Henderson into a sharp save before City slammed the door shut.
Phil Foden produced a moment of pure class, ghosting into space and drilling a crisp finish into the corner to underline his blistering form. Watching on was England boss Thomas Tuchel who hardly needs reminding of Foden’s quality. This was his sixth goal in five games and another statement performance.
Haaland then put the seal on it late on. Savinho was bundled over by Henderson and the Norwegian showed ice cold composure from the spot to notch his 17th league goal of the campaign. He had barely been involved for long spells but as ever he only needed a sniff.
City have now cut the gap at the top back to two points and look ready to chase Arsenal all the way. They have scored 37 league goals and have hit at least three in each of their last four matches. When Haaland is fit and firing they look relentless.
For Palace it was a familiar story against City at home. They played well in spells but paid for missed chances, striking the woodwork twice and coming away empty handed. Wharton impressed in midfield with his bite and energy but could not find the net.
The Eagles remain fifth and have made a strong start to the season but their winless home run against City now stretches back a decade. Against the champions, nearly is never enough.