Phil Foden shone as Manchester City moved back within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
First-Half Dominance
Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush both struck from Foden passes in the first half, giving City a commanding lead before the break. Savinho added a late third to seal the victory as City kept their slender title hopes alive.
Title Race Context
With both title challengers having two games remaining, City still have a chance of securing a seventh league crown in nine years. However, after manager Pep Guardiola made six changes and the game was played in a subdued atmosphere, there appeared an acceptance that the odds were heavily against them and focus had shifted to the FA Cup final.
City were frenetic against Brentford on Saturday, but Arsenal's victory over West Ham on Sunday seemed to change the mood. City arguably benefited on this occasion from facing a Palace side whose eyes may already be on the Conference League final. On this evidence, however, they can expect few favours when the Eagles play Arsenal next.
