This weekend Premier League match at Selhurst Park produced a composed and ultimately commanding display as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 3-0, a result that tightened the Premier League title race once again.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden ensured Pep Guardiola’s side moved back to within two points of leaders Arsenal, extending their winning momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
The scoreline suggested a routine evening in south London, but the contest was anything but straightforward. Crystal Palace tested City’s resolve, struck the woodwork twice and applied sustained pressure, particularly during a tense first half.
However, Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 due to their clinical edge, combined with their growing authority after the break. It proved decisive as they underlined their credentials as serious title contenders.
This victory also came just days after City’s impressive triumph away at Real Madrid in Europe, adding further weight to the sense that Guardiola’s team are peaking as the campaign approaches its midpoint.
While the goals and result drew headlines, Guardiola’s post-match focus on Phil Foden revealed the manager’s relentless standards, even when success is secured.
City withstand Palace pressure to take control
From the opening whistle, Crystal Palace showed they had no intention of sitting back. The hosts pressed aggressively and looked to disrupt City’s passing rhythm, forcing the visitors into spells of patient but cautious possession.
City dominated the ball, yet clear chances were initially hard to come by as Palace defended with discipline and energy.
The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes before the interval. A well-worked City move ended with a precise delivery into the box, where Erling Haaland rose above his marker to power a header past the Palace goalkeeper. The goal, Haaland’s first of the night, relieved City and shifted the momentum just as Palace were growing in confidence.
Despite falling behind, Palace continued to pose a threat. Yeremy Pino came agonisingly close to equalising when his effort crashed against the woodwork, a warning sign that City could not afford to relax.
Shortly after, Adam Wharton also rattled the frame of the goal, moments that sent a ripple of anxiety through the away end and reminded City that the contest was far from settled.
City responded with composure in the second half, gradually asserting greater control over proceedings. Their passing became sharper, their movement more purposeful, and the spaces Palace initially exploited began to close.
The second goal arrived in the 69th minute and showcased City at their fluent best. Phil Foden collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a superb strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance, doubling City’s advantage.
That goal proved decisive. Palace’s resistance faded as City’s confidence grew, and Guardiola’s side managed the remainder of the match with the authority expected of the Sky Blues.
Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 after Haaland scored once again. Substitute Savinho was brought down in the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Haaland stepped up in the 88th minute and calmly converted, completing his brace and confirming a fourth consecutive league win for City.
Beyond the immediate impact on the league table, the performance reinforced a familiar narrative. City have a history of accelerating after the turn of the year, and their current run of form suggests they are once again building momentum at precisely the right time.
With the halfway stage of the season approaching, Guardiola’s team appear firmly back in the title conversation.
Guardiola criticises Foden’s performance and demands more from him
While Phil Foden’s goal was one of the highlights of the evening, it was his overall display that drew scrutiny from Pep Guardiola after the final whistle. In typically forthright fashion, the City manager chose to focus not on the result alone, but on areas where improvement is still required.
Speaking during the post-match interview, Guardiola was candid in his assessment of the England international, making it clear that a spectacular goal did not mask shortcomings in other aspects of his performance.
Guardiola said: “Today he didn’t do a good game, he didn’t play good. He lost a lot of balls, so in a rush in every action. Phil has to be more tempo, more calm, keep the ball, pass, and in the right moment change gear… In the right moment, make the explosion!”
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The comments reflected Guardiola’s belief that Foden, despite his immense talent, must continue to refine his decision-making and composure on the ball.
Losing possession too frequently, particularly in tight matches, is something the City manager views as a significant issue, especially given the team’s emphasis on control and rhythm.
Yet Guardiola was equally keen to balance his criticism with perspective. He acknowledged Foden’s age and the progress he has already made this season, highlighting the midfielder’s willingness to learn and adapt.
Guardiola added: “But at the end, we say it many times, he’s SO young! At the end, he has margin to improve, he listens, and saying that he’s been doing an incredible, terrific season.”
Those remarks underline the demanding environment at Manchester City, where even standout performers are expected to meet exacting standards every week.
For Foden, the message was clear: moments of brilliance are valued, but consistency, control and decision-making remain essential if he is to reach his full potential under Guardiola.