News Focus
- Manchester City reduce the gap to Arsenal to two points in the Premier League title race
- Pep Guardiola makes six changes to his team ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea
- Phil Foden provides two assists in his rare start for the champions
- Josko Gvardiol returns to the defence after four months out with a broken shinbone
- The championship will be decided in the final week of the season
Manchester City kept their hopes of winning the Premier League alive with a dominant 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. The victory moves them to within two points of league leaders Arsenal with only one week of the season remaining.
Pep Guardiola decided to rest several key players for this match at the Etihad Stadium. The City manager made six alterations to his starting eleven as he looked ahead to Saturday’s FA Cup final clash with Chelsea. Star striker Erling Haaland, winger Jeremy Doku, and new signing Rayan Cherki all watched from the substitutes’ bench.
The home side started slowly, perhaps due to the numerous changes in personnel. However, midfielder Phil Foden changed the game with a moment of magic. The England international produced a clever backheel to set up Antoine Semenyo, who scored with a precise finish past Dean Henderson. Foden then created a second goal with a low cross that Omar Marmoush converted from close range.
City controlled the second half and added a third goal late in the game through Savinho. Crystal Palace rarely threatened the home defence, though Tyrick Mitchell forced a fine save from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first half.
There was also good news for City fans with the return of defender Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian had been absent since January with a broken shinbone but came back into the side. He nearly marked his comeback with a goal, but his header was pushed away by Henderson.
This result means Arsenal cannot win the title this weekend. The Gunners must beat Burnley on Monday to keep their destiny in their own hands. If Arsenal slip up, City could overtake them when they face Bournemouth on Tuesday.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat marks five games without a win in the league. However, the Eagles are safe from relegation in 15th place. Manager Oliver Glasner also rested several players because his team faces Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League final in two weeks. The London club caused a shock by beating City in last year’s FA Cup final, but they could not repeat that performance here.
The Premier League title race will now go down to the final matches of the campaign. Both teams know that any mistake could cost them the trophy.