FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesThat’s all from us!
You can head to Shamoon Hafez's match report to find out how Manchester City kept the Premier League title race alive, moving within two points of Mikel Arteta's Gunners with two games to play.
We’ll be back with more live football coverage soon - but until then, take care.
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Did people really watch Palace put in one of the worst performances of the season tonight, and think they will be able to stop Arsenal three days before the biggest game in their history?
Larry, Glasgow
With that Palace performance today, there's no way Man City are catching Arsenal. They will win the league at Selhurst Park.
Mark, Australia
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaking to Sky Sports: "We did not think or talk about what happened in the last game with our big rival to win the Premier League. Just do what we have to do. I have lived many times in this league and in Barcelona and Munich.
"Always against ten men and low block is not easy but I work from day one how to attack low blocks. I have to be in the right spot and forget about it. Good clubs, top class players make a spark, one player like Phil [Foden] today make the action, or Cherki in the last one - it's no more complicated than that."
On the title race: "Of course we want to bring the option [to win] to the final game. Unfortunately it is not in our hands, for many, many, may reasons. This group of players is extraordinary. This season the joy we have had every day with them, and now we are in another final.
"Bournemouth and Aston Villa are not the easy ones to take. Bournemouth is playing for European competition, extraordinary and I don't know the last game they lost, but now we take a break and the FA Cup final deserve all the attention and credit.
"To win the games and win the title you have to be much, much, much, much better. In circumstances you will not do it, simple as that."
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Feel like people are massively underestimating Bournemouth. They're 16 unbeaten and people are acting as if City will cruise past them.
Cam, Southampton
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: "3-0 Brentford, 3-0 Crystal Palace - these are really tough opponents with the way that they play. Really pleased. We try to be alive until the next game, which is Bournemouth. Now focus on the final."
On the many changes working: "Because we won right? I trust all of them a lot. Sometimes it is for the way we play, sometimes it is shape. Omar [Marmoush] is always there, the work ethic, the goals. We played really, really good. I know their transitions are top, the set pieces. t is difficult because they defend really well in the low block. it is tough but we did it with patience. We made the game we should play."
On keeping players fresh for the FA Cup final: "Yes expecially Kova[cic], Rayan [Ait-Nouri]. Jeremy was not ready for the second half but it is not easy with five in the back, Munoz was so close it is not easy to make actions. Rayan was really good and Mateus [Nunes] was extraordinary. So really good, we are ready for the final.
"These type of games you can prepare but in the end you break for the quality. It is simple. We can talk about the managers, this and that, but after Phil [Foden] is incredible in small spaces and make a great ball for Antoine [Semenyo] who scores. That decides the game. The same with the chip in for the second goal and the finish."
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I don't think Arsenal will slip up, but as Pep says, we will simply have to be there if they do.
Barry, Manchester
Image source, PA MediaFT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Today we have to accept City were much better and too good for us. If you want to get a point or even more, you need a top performance, and we were far away from a top performance.
"Second half, we had a few situations to come back. City make one or two big mistakes, but we couldn't take advantage from it.
"Very tight offside goal, we knew they were playing very high line. Once we could take advantage, it was slightly offside.
"Then we knew how they wanted to play, but it is not so easy to defend all the time. First goal, you see the quality City has once they get the ball in the pocket.
"Second goal was bad defending from us, then, of course, it is difficult. I think we should have done better when we had the ball. We lost it too quickly and the pressure increases, and you can't defend everything.
"I personally don't find it difficult. We want to play football, and we want to compete with the best teams. Today we could see City are better than we are."
On Palace's possible penalty shout in the second half: "I think it was more handball at the end, but the game was already decided. I have not watched it back. Again, we will never complain about the referee's decision as it is gone."
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Arsenal will Arsenal in one of those 2 games for sure, just wait and see. The buzz from the West Ham game says it all - creating next to nothing and it'll catch up with them for sure.
Ross, Cairo
My feeling is Arsenal will put a few past both Burnley and Palace and that is that.
Roo, Essex
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We had to work, but Palace worked harder. We were better. A tough team to break down because they defended incredibly well.
"These type of games, they play the low block - it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal. These types of games, the quality makes the difference. And Phil is full of it in his body. I am beyond happy and satisfied.
"Phil, we know his qualities. I appreciate him a lot. Incredible runner and fighter. In the final third, an incredible spark. I was really pleased with that.
"Rayan [Cherki] has incredible quality coming from the bench and making an impact. Kovacic and him make an impact."
On title race: "Depends on them [Arsenal]. If they win two games - nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough."
On the upcoming FA Cup final: "All we can do is go to sleep as quickly as possible and prepare for the FA Cup. That is what we have to do.
"The FA Cup, incredible respect. We lost the last two times because we were not good enough. We are going to go there to win. We have to be ready physically and mentally against a team who are not in the best season, but the quality is there. Of course, they will do their best, and we have to do our best to try to win."
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesCrystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to Sky Sports: "If you want to get a point or even more, you need a top performance at the Etihad.
"We didn't have a top performance today. Some parts were OK, some parts were not good enough.
"We didn't stick to the plan, particularly in the first half. Instead, we lost the ball because we were not quick enough, and we did not have the solution before we had the ball.
"We couldn't take advantage of their mistakes. If you make too many mistakes at the back, then you have no chance against City.
"We tried, everybody tried, but again it is not so easy against a team like City against players like City. See the first goal, it is just unpredictable.
"In the end, City deserved the win. We could manage the minutes how we wanted to manage it. Again, it is four days until the next game, and we will do the same."
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Once Man City beat Palace, personally I feel Arsenal now have to win their final 2 games. My feeling is a they'll take 4 points and Man City will take the title on goal difference.
Duncan
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, speaking to Sky Sports: "To be fair I was surprised as well. I didn't expect my name in the starting XI. [Found out] two or three hours before kick off. Today we needed to be ready. We all know that we've only got three games left until the end of the season, so I'm happy to be back and get some minutes."
On whether he was nervous after so long injured: "I would say it is normal but I am getting older and I'm more experienced than a couple of years ago. I took it as a man and all I tried to do is play as simple as I can and that's all.
On Phil Foden's backheel assist: "We know his quality. We know how good he is in small spaces. He's really good and I enjoy playing with him. To be fair I didn't expect but we know he is capable of doing these things. It is something that we needed, a great assist."
On his fitness: "It hasn't been easy but after I got injured I just told myself that I am going to accept it as a new challenge. I feel good, I wouldn't say that I'm 100% at my best but it is normal. I need games and minutes."
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People saying pathetic by Palace. Yes I feel for the fans that travelled, but why would a team who has a genuine chance of achieving their second ever season in Europe jeopardise that for a league game that mean nothing to them.
Jakob, London
Palace didn’t sit off City they did what a lot of the teams do play a low block and hope they can sneak a goal on the break. Unfortunately Palace were harried off the ball or were offside.
Paul, Chester
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, speaking to Sky Sports about the title race: "It's a team game at the end of the day, if you want to win titles and trophies it's about a full squad and everyone playing their part.
"The aim is to keep pushing and keep them on their toes. We've seen a lot of things can happen on the final day. I've experienced it many times when the game doesn't go your way . We just have to keep pushing and doing our part.
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, speaking to Sky Sports: "Massively important at this stage of the season to have fresh lads coming in, Josko [Gvardiol] as well back in a long time. We were all excited to play and we were ready. It's a massive game, must win, so we are really happy.
"I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant [Semenyo] make a good movement. It is one of those, sometimes it doesn't come off. Sometimes a risk is worth taking and I'm very delighted it came off and we scored from it. Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is the most important.
"I would say I had a good half season, the first half, and dropped off a bit then struggled to find my place in the team. It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you, so I've had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can, and when you get your moment you have to take it."
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City wanted someone to step up today with no Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku or Rayan Cherki in the starting line-up. And Phil Foden obliged.
With a no-look backheel for Antoine Semenyo, he helped City break the deadlock today and added another assist for good measure.
It is the first time since December 2023 against Sheffield United he bagged two assists in a league fixture, and also the first time he has assisted two goals in the first half of a Premier League match.
We will bring you what Foden had to say after the win shortly.
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
It means that if Arsenal beat an already-relegated Burnley on Monday, Manchester City must beat Europe-chasing Bournemouth, who are on a 16-game unbeaten run, the following day.
Or the Premier League title will be Arsenal's.
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
It will all come down to the final two rounds of the season.
Arsenal's remaining fixtures:
Man City's remaining fixtures:
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Micah Richards
Former Man City defender on Sky Sports
We constantly say with Arsenal, have they got the leader to take them over the line? They have shown they have, they are the favourites now and nobody can say they are bottling it anymore. They weren't playing well, but turned their fortunes against Fulham and then again against West Ham.
They lost here [at Man City] and maybe the Arsenal of last season the confidence would have drained.
FT: Man City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Image source, Getty ImagesCrystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, speaking to Sky Sports: "Quite difficult when you get three goals against an opponent. It is always difficult.
"Today we were not at our top level and when you play these types of top teams you have to be better.
"I think we take it game by game. We take all the games really seriously. I think we did good intensity, but maybe not in the right moments.
"Against big teams you can't make big mistakes."
At a glance
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace to move back to within two points of leaders Arsenal
Pep Guardiola makes six changes to starting line-up, but Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush score in first half
Savinho rounds off win late in second half
Crystal Palace now without a league win in past five games
Manchester City comfortably beat Crystal Palace to move back to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal and ensure a tense title tussle continues into the final week of the season.
Pep Guardiola's side knew failure to win on Wednesday would have handed the Gunners an opportunity to clinch the title by beating Burnley on Monday, but this fascinating fight for the trophy looks like it's going to the wire.
With Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea in mind, manager Guardiola gambled with his City team selection by making six changes and leaving out the attacking trio of Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and the in-form Jeremy Doku.
The numerous alterations seemed to affect City early on, in a flat showing before midfielder Phil Foden sparked the game into life.
The England international produced a sublime backheel to play Antoine Semenyo in on goal and the Ghanaian produced a clinical strike past Dean Henderson, before Omar Marmoush doubled the lead, spinning and finishing following Foden's pass.
Full-back Tyrick Mitchell's thumping effort immediately after the opening goal, which was pushed away by Gianluigi Donnarumma, was Palace's best effort but Savinho added a third for the hosts late on to complete a fine victory.
'Beyond happy' Guardiola praises Foden
City's meeting against Palace was the game in hand from their appearance in the Carabao Cup final back in March – the top two have now both played the same number of games with 36 apiece.
Arsenal will guarantee a long-awaited title triumph if they win both their remaining games, while they can also claim the title early next week if they beat Burnley on Monday and City fail to beat Bournemouth the following day.
But it appears that Arsenal will have to go and win the title themselves rather than having it handed to them.
Guardiola shuffled the starting XI against Palace but his side still managed to get the job done without enduring too much trouble.
Foden has been consigned to the bench for much of the last two months and he made only his third start in City's past 13 matches, but the 25-year-old took his opportunity with two assists in the opening 45 minutes.
The first was a delightful piece of skill that ignited an insipid contest, finished off first-time by Semenyo to end a run of five games without scoring, while the second pass across the box allowed Marmoush to scramble in his eighth goal of the campaign.
City were handed a boost by the return in defence of Josko Gvardiol, playing for the first time since 4 January after sustaining a broken shinbone, and the Croatian almost scored on his comeback but saw a header pushed away at full stretch by Henderson.
City have already claimed the Carabao Cup at Wembley this season and they will aim to make it a cup double on Saturday but the question remains, will it stay that way or can they complete a domestic treble come 24 May?
City were too good for us - Glasner
Palace's league form is petering away, now without victory in their past five top-flight matches, and the latest loss leaves them 15th in the table.
The Eagles are not at threat of being relegated and have their priority on the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in two weeks' time.
Boss Oliver Glasner was unapologetic beforehand about changes to his side and made four alterations, leaving forward Ismaila Sarr on the bench.
The Senegal international appeared on the hour mark and forced Donnarumma into a save low down, but the visitors were thoroughly outplayed for almost the entire game.
Palace produced a shock by beating City in the FA Cup final last May but there was to be no repeat result this time.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 24 | 7 | 5 | 68 | 26 | 42 | 79 |
| |
| 36 | 23 | 8 | 5 | 75 | 32 | 43 | 77 |
| |
| 36 | 18 | 11 | 7 | 63 | 48 | 15 | 65 |
| |
| 36 | 17 | 8 | 11 | 60 | 48 | 12 | 59 |
| |
| 36 | 17 | 8 | 11 | 50 | 46 | 4 | 59 |
| |
| 36 | 13 | 16 | 7 | 56 | 52 | 4 | 55 |
| |
| 36 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 52 | 42 | 10 | 53 |
| |
| 36 | 14 | 9 | 13 | 52 | 49 | 3 | 51 |
| |
| 36 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 55 | 49 | 6 | 49 |
| |
| 36 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 46 | 46 | 0 | 49 |
| |
| 36 | 14 | 6 | 16 | 44 | 50 | -6 | 48 |
| |
| 36 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 37 | 46 | -9 | 48 |
| |
| 36 | 13 | 7 | 16 | 50 | 52 | -2 | 46 |
| |
| 36 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 48 | 53 | -5 | 44 |
| |
| 36 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 38 | 47 | -9 | 44 |
| |
| 36 | 11 | 10 | 15 | 45 | 47 | -2 | 43 |
| |
| 36 | 9 | 11 | 16 | 46 | 55 | -9 | 38 |
| |
| 36 | 9 | 9 | 18 | 42 | 62 | -20 | 36 |
| |
| 36 | 4 | 9 | 23 | 37 | 73 | -36 | 21 |
| |
| 36 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 25 | 66 | -41 | 18 |
|
Manager:Pep Guardiola
Formation:4 - 2 - 2 - 2
Manager:Oliver Glasner
Formation:5 - 4 - 1
Manager:Pep Guardiola
Formation:4 - 2 - 2 - 2
Manager:Oliver Glasner
Formation:5 - 4 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Manchester City |
2' | Crystal Palace |
3' | Crystal Palace |
4' | Manchester City |
5' | Manchester City |
6' | Manchester City |
7' | Manchester City |
8' | Manchester City |
9' | Manchester City |
10' | Manchester City |
11' | Manchester City |
12' | Crystal Palace |
13' | Crystal Palace |
14' | Crystal Palace |
15' | Crystal Palace |
16' | Manchester City |
17' | Manchester City |
18' | Manchester City |
19' | Manchester City |
20' | Manchester City |
21' | Manchester City |
22' | Manchester City |
23' | Manchester City |
24' | Manchester City |
25' | Manchester City |
26' | Manchester City |
27' | Manchester City |
28' | Manchester City |
29' | Manchester City |
30' | Manchester City |
31' | Manchester City |
32' | Manchester CityGoal |
33' | Crystal Palace |
34' | Crystal Palace |
35' | Manchester City |
36' | Manchester City |
37' | Manchester City |
38' | Manchester City |
39' | Manchester City |
40' | Manchester CityGoal |
41' | Manchester City |
42' | Manchester City |
43' | Manchester City |
44' | Manchester City |
45' | Crystal Palace |
45'+1 | Crystal Palace |
Half time 45'+2 | Crystal Palace |
46' | Manchester City |
47' | Manchester City |
48' | Manchester City |
49' | Manchester City |
50' | Crystal Palace |
51' | Manchester City |
52' | Manchester City |
53' | Manchester City |
54' | Manchester City |
55' | Crystal Palace |
56' | Manchester City |
57' | Manchester City |
58' | Manchester City |
59' | Manchester City |
60' | Manchester City |
61' | Crystal Palace |
62' | Crystal Palace |
63' | Crystal Palace |
64' | Manchester City |
65' | Manchester City |
66' | Manchester City |
67' | Manchester City |
68' | Manchester City |
69' | Manchester City |
70' | Manchester City |
71' | Manchester City |
72' | Manchester City |
73' | Manchester City |
74' | Crystal Palace |
75' | Manchester City |
76' | Manchester City |
77' | Manchester City |
78' | Manchester City |
79' | Manchester City |
80' | Crystal Palace |
81' | Crystal Palace |
82' | Crystal Palace |
83' | Crystal Palace |
84' | Manchester CityGoal |
85' | Manchester City |
86' | Manchester City |
87' | Manchester City |
88' | Manchester City |
89' | Manchester City |
90' | Manchester City |
90'+1 | Crystal Palace |
90'+2 | Crystal Palace |
90'+3 | Crystal Palace |
90'+4 | Manchester City |
90'+5 | Manchester City |
Full time 90'+6 | Manchester City |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against Crystal Palace (W5 D3) since a 2-0 home loss in October 2021.
Crystal Palace have scored exactly twice in each of their last four Premier League away games against Man City, though have only gone on to win one of those (D1 L2). The only visiting team to score 2+ goals in five in a row at the Etihad are Tottenham Hotspur (current run of five).
Since losing 2-0 against Spurs in their opening home league game this season, Man City are unbeaten in their last 16 at the Etihad (W13 D3). They’ve also opened the scoring in all 16 of these games.
Man City are unbeaten in their last 23 evening kick-offs (7pm or later) in the Premier League (W17 D6) since a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in December 2023. However, five of their eight such games in 2026 have been drawn (W3).
Only the current top two sides Arsenal (10) and Manchester City (9) have won more Premier League away games this season than Crystal Palace (7), while no side has fewer draws on the road than the Eagles (2).
Manchester City have scored the most (38) and conceded the fewest (9) first half goals in the Premier League this season, though each of their last five strikes have come after half-time.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has scored in all five of his Premier League games against Crystal Palace, netting eight goals in total. The only players to score in their first six games against an opponent in the competition are Raheem Sterling and Mohamed Salah (both vs Bournemouth).
Man City’s Jérémy Doku has been involved in seven goals in his last six appearances in all competitions (5 goals, 2 assists), as many as he had in his previous 24 (1 goal, 6 assists).
Jean-Philippe Mateta has 49 Premier League goals, and could be just the second Crystal Palace to reach 50 after Wilfried Zaha (68). However, just 35% of his goals in the competition have come away from home (17/49), with just two of his 11 this term coming on the road.
Ismaïla Sarr has scored nine goals in his last 10 starts in all competitions, while his 20 goals in total this season are the most by a Crystal Palace player since Glenn Murray’s 31 in 2012-13.
