Crystal Palace vs Man City: Unstoppable Haaland delivers double blow to keep pressure on Arsenal

Manchester City registered a third consecutive win on the road to reduce the gap to leaders Arsenal to just two points,

Despite looking jaded from midweek European action, City eventually asserted control after a slow start.

Palace showed early promise, with Yéremy Pino hitting the crossbar, and Jean-Philippe Mateta narrowly missing a tap-in from Ismaïla Sarr’s cross.

City's breakthrough arrived, as is often inevitable, when Erling Haaland rose highest at the far post to head home a delivery from Matheus Nunes just before halftime. Palace started the second half seeking an equalizer, and Adam Wharton hit the woodwork from range.

However, City quickly placed the game beyond reach when Phil Foden, continuing his fine form, strode through the pitch and arrowed a shot into the bottom corner.

In the closing minutes, Palace's desperation to attack left them vulnerable. City capitalized when Savinho was brought down in the box, allowing Haaland to step up and score his customary second goal from the penalty spot.

The win keeps City firmly on pace with Arsenal at the Premier League summit.