City’s Haaland Double Trims Arsenal Lead

The intense battle for the Premier League crown tightened significantly on Sunday as Manchester City secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, immediately cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table back to just two points. The win was a crucial response from the reigning champions, who travelled to South London fully aware that the Gunners’ hard-fought 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday had momentarily stretched the gap to five points.

Pep Guardiola’s squad, however, faced a stern test from Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace, who began the match with notable aggression and high pressing. City were fortunate to avoid conceding first, as the hosts carved out the clearest opportunities in the opening exchanges, underlining the pressure the former champions were under to deliver.

The deadlock was finally broken just before the half-time interval by the league’s most potent striker, Erling Haaland. After a period of patient build-up, the breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute when Haaland rose imperiously to meet a precise cross from Matheus Nunes, heading the ball home to give City a crucial 1-0 advantage. The Norwegian’s goal—his 17th in the Premier League, extending his lead in the Golden Boot race—punctured Palace’s early momentum and settled City’s nerves.

The second half saw the title contenders assert greater control, with the three points being secured by two further goals. The first came from a moment of individual brilliance by Phil Foden, who has been in sensational form. In the 69th minute, the midfielder collected a pass just outside the box and unleashed a powerful, accurate drive that flew past goalkeeper Dean Henderson to double the lead.

The victory was sealed in the final moments of the game when Haaland converted a late penalty, securing his brace for the afternoon. The spot-kick was awarded after substitute Savinho was brought down in the box, and the clinical Norwegian stepped up to fire the ball home in the 89th minute, finalizing the 3-0 scoreline.

The result means Manchester City move to 34 points after 16 games, placing them squarely on the tail of leaders Arsenal, who sit on 36 points. The comprehensive victory not only keeps the title race fiercely competitive but also provides a major boost to City’s goal difference, which now stands at +22, higher than Arsenal’s +20. The psychological pressure is now squarely on the shoulders of Mikel Arteta’s side as the season heads toward the demanding festive fixture list.