Manchester City moved within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal after Erling Haaland’s penalty secured a gritty 1‑0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to break down Palace until Haaland converted from the spot with 12 minutes left at rain‑lashed Selhurst Park. The Norwegian’s 34th goal in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund last year gave City their fifth victory in six league games.
Having kept the pressure on Arsenal, the champions will hope Mikel Arteta’s men slip up when they travel to Fulham for their game in hand on Sunday. City were not at their most fluent, but the hard‑fought win was essential to stop Arsenal extending their lead in the title race. Now Haaland and his teammates will turn their attention to the second leg of their Champions League last‑16 tie against Leipzig in Manchester on Tuesday, with the aggregate score level at 1‑1.
Palace are enduring the longest current winless run in the Premier League, failing to take maximum points from any of their ten games in 2023. The dismal sequence leaves them just four points above the relegation zone. Guardiola left Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker on the bench, the latter’s omission coming days after police launched an investigation into allegations that the England defender indecently exposed himself in a bar.
City made a strong start as Rodri’s powerful volley was parried by Palace keeper Vicente Guaita. Ruben Dias’s attempt to turn the rebound was blocked by Jeffrey Schlupp, and Jack Grealish shot just wide moments later. Manchester City were nearly caught out when Manuel Akanji had to race back to block Wilfried Zaha’s shot after Phil Foden carelessly surrendered possession.
Guardiola has claimed Foden is back to his best after a difficult season, but the England playmaker struggled in the first half. Guardiola was seen barking at his star when a misplaced pass went straight to Palace’s Luka Milivojevic. Haaland should have put City ahead midway through the first half, but he clipped over from six yards after Nathan Ake’s cross found him. He threatened again with a low cross‑shot that Guaita blocked at the near post, and the rebound was driven wide by Haaland.
City maintained territorial control in the second half. Jack Grealish quickly won a free‑kick, from which Foden’s 25‑yard strike forced a good save from Guaita. Julian Alvarez, who came on for Foden, squandered a golden opportunity when the Argentine World Cup winner blazed over after a nimble turn opened up the Palace defence. His long‑range effort soon after was too close to Guaita.
Pressure mounted and City finally struck in the 78th minute. Michael Olise’s rash challenge on Ilkay Gündogan was ruled a penalty, and Haaland stepped up to send Guaita the wrong way from the spot. He then missed a chance to seal the win, heading over from Grealish’s cross. The miss forced a nervous finale, with Ederson saving a shot from Eberechi Eze before City could finally exhale.
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