Manchester City moved two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after Erling Haaland guided the side to a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday night.
Premier League
Result: Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City
Date: 11 March 2023
Venue: Selhurst Park
Pep Guardiola made two changes from the City line-up that defeated Newcastle United, as Bernardo Silva started ahead of Kevin de Bruyne while John Stones replaced Kyle Walker at right-back.
The visitors made a lively start to the encounter as Rodri saw his volley saved by Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, while Jack Grealish went close with a low strike inside the opening ten minutes.
The home side, meanwhile, were on the back foot for most of the first half and only showed glimpses of their threat on the counter through Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise.
City should have been ahead on 27 minutes when a well worked passing move saw Nathan Ake tee up Erling Haaland in the box, but the Norwegian strike lifted his shot over the target from six yards.
That proved to be the final clear-cut opening for the visitors, who found it tough to break down the Eagles defence despite enjoying most of the possession for the opening 45 minutes.
Guardiola opted for a change just before the hour mark, as Phil Foden made way for World Cup winner Julian Alvarez just minutes after the England international had a free-kick saved by Guita.
The Argentine striker should have broken the deadlock a couple minutes later after beating his marker with a neat turn before blazing over the crossbar with only Guita to beat.
City were afforded a lifeline with 13 minutes to go after being awarded a penalty for Olise's rash challenge on Illkay Gundogan, which allowed Haaland to step up and convert for his 28th league goal.
Palace found themselves chasing the game which prompted coach Patrick Vieira to introduce Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Édouard for the final ten minutes while De Bruyne also came on for City.
However, City were able to see out the closing stages and pick up maximum points and close the gap on Arsenal, who are in action on Sunday.
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