Manchester City kept the Premier League title race alive with a comfortable 3 0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, moving to within two points of leaders Arsenal with two matches remaining in the season.
Manager Pep Guardiola rotated heavily following City’s weekend win over Brentford, leaving players such as Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku on the bench. Palace boss Oliver Glasner also opted for several changes to his starting lineup.
City took control during the first half at the Etihad Stadium through goals from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush before Savinho added a late third goal to seal the win.
The title race had appeared to swing strongly in City’s favour in recent weeks, but a dramatic 3 3 draw against Everton last week allowed Arsenal to regain momentum at the top of the table.
City players were left frustrated on Sunday after a stoppage time equaliser for West Ham United against Arsenal was ruled out following a VAR review, helping the Gunners secure a narrow 1 0 victory.
Foden inspires City victory
City dominated possession early on but Palace still looked dangerous on counter attacks despite starting without Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton.
The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute after Phil Foden produced a clever backheel assist for Semenyo, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Foden was involved again eight minutes later when he teed up Marmoush for City’s second goal, marking the forward’s third Premier League goal of the campaign.
The second half offered fewer memorable moments, though departing defender John Stones received a warm ovation after coming on as a late substitute during what is expected to be his final season at the club.
Shortly afterwards, Rayan Cherki carried the ball from deep inside his own half before setting up Savinho, who finished confidently to complete the scoring.
Title race still alive
The win takes Manchester City to 77 points, leaving them just two behind Arsenal. Guardiola’s side also improved their goal difference advantage and now have a superior tally by one goal while scoring seven more overall.
City next turn their attention to the FA Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday as they chase a domestic cup double after already winning the League Cup earlier this season.
Speaking before the match, Guardiola defended his decision to rotate the squad heavily, saying the packed schedule required contributions from every available player.
Despite the narrow gap, Arsenal under Mikel Arteta remain favourites to secure their first league title since 2004.
City still face difficult fixtures against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, while Arsenal will host Burnley before ending their campaign away at Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, sit 15th in the table after a disappointing league campaign. Their attention is now focused on the UEFA Conference League Final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27, which will also mark Glasner’s final game in charge of the south London side.
