Manchester City vs Crystal Palace was once again influenced by the cold-bloodedness nature of Erling Haaland who scored two goals in the process by taking the lead in the game, bringing the City squarely on top of the opposition in London, keeping rivals Arsenal in a continuous pressure. In any given weekend, the title race forms a major roller coaster, so what champions do best is, when opportunity presented itself, they have to take care of business.

City went into the game with the expectations that the stakes were high. Arsenal had temporarily lost points when Wolves scored late only to have an own goal in the final moments to give Mikel Arteta side back on track. Nevertheless, City knew that even a slip would cost them their grip on the title race. In the very first passes, it seemed that Guardiola men felt calm, even though they were not instantly overwhelming, knowing that Crystal Palace have become one of the most challenging teams to deal with in the league this season.

At first, however it was Palace who threatened to put the night upside down. Yeremy Pino was also right on time to evade Adam Wharton’s offside trap by latching onto his well-thought-out pass in the form of a dink. The winger was just about to score against Gianluigi Donnarumma who had the goal to beat, but his shot hit the crossbar, giving City an early warning instead of disciplining him. It was a breakthrough in establishing the mood, as Palace would create opportunities, but City would transform their own.

But when City got into their rhythm, their quality of attack started to be reflected. Making the ball count and patiently havoc through the defensive set up of Palace, Guardiola’s team played to reason. It was the goal just four minutes prior to the half-time that Matheus Nunes sent out a teasing cross to the back post. Haaland, who went unchallenged, drove home a goal of the trademark, and the control over territories in City became an undeniable force.

The latter objective was precisely the reason why Manchester City is still that strong. Up till that moment, Haaland has not been visible much, but had just to get one opportunity to swing. It was his 17th league goal of the season and a further sign of the title push at City being on the soundest of foundations that the best finisher in English football. Adam Wharton was still impressive in the middle of the field, winning the ball in the tackling and running his team. The England international almost missed out on the goal in the first half of the second half when he hit the post with a thunderous strike. A few moments later, Palace tried to find a means of returning to the match when Tijjani Reijnders made a sharp save against Dean Henderson.

Then, lastly, quality at City. One of the finest spells of his career behind, Phil Foden doubled the lead with a typically pleasant finish that demonstrated his assurance and calmness. It was his half a dozenth goal in five games in all competitions, having been delivered in the presence of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who, could not fail to notice the message dispatched.

Spaces opened in a inevitable manner as Palace made a motion forward in the direction of seeking a lifeline. City took advantage of them to the fullest. With the Palace goal-keeper later on bringing down Savinho in the box, there was not much doubt left in the mind of the referee. Haaland rose to the occasion and coolly gathered at the penalty spot and clinched the match and brace.

The result was not a true reflection of the efforts of Palace. The woodwork was hit twice by the Oliver Glasner side which created adequate opportunities to render the contest uncomfortable but their absence of cutting edge cost them. It is the 11th consecutive league defeat by Palace against Manchester City, which began over a 10 year period before the match.

To City, winning is another declaration in a title race, which is getting fiercer. The Barcelona team has already achieved 3+ goals in the last 4 league games in a row, which indicates the attacking versatility as well as the insatiable quality. Manchester City vs Crystal Palace will be remembered not only as another victory, but also as the night when champions proved once again that they are able to remain composed in the circumstance when it is most needed.

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