Manchester City walked into Selhurst Park knowing that anything less than a strong response would leave their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread. Arsenal had already done just enough the night before, grabbing a late winner to keep themselves ahead at the top, and the pressure was firmly on Pep Guardiola’s side to respond. What followed was not just a win, but a statement. A calm, controlled, and ruthless 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace that reminded everyone that Manchester City are still very much alive in the title race.
From the first whistle, there was a sense of seriousness about City’s approach. This was not a team playing with fear or doubt. It was a team that understood the moment, understood the table, and understood that December can define seasons. The early exchanges were tense rather than explosive, with Palace showing that they were not interested in simply rolling over. Memories of last season’s FA Cup final win over City still lingered, and Palace carried themselves with belief.
The home side had their moments in the opening stages. City dominated possession as expected, but Palace looked dangerous on the counter. Their biggest chance of the first half came when a powerful effort rattled the crossbar, freezing the Etihad travelling fans in their seats. For a brief moment, it felt like one of those afternoons where City might be punished for not taking early control.
But Manchester City have Erling Haaland, and moments like that often mark the turning point. As the first half moved towards its final stages, City increased the tempo. The passing became sharper, the movement more purposeful, and the pressure began to tell. When the breakthrough finally arrived, it felt inevitable.
Haaland’s opener was classic City. Patient build-up, quick movement, and ruthless execution. The Norwegian striker timed his run perfectly, stayed calm under pressure, and finished with authority. It was the kind of goal that drains belief from the opposition and injects calm into City’s veins. Suddenly, Palace’s resistance felt fragile.
Phil Foden, once again, was at the heart of everything creative. The England international has been enjoying a brilliant run of form, and this match only added to his growing influence. Early in the second half, Foden picked up the ball outside the box, took a touch to steady himself, and unleashed a superb strike that flew past the Palace goalkeeper. It was a goal full of confidence, technique, and intelligence. The kind of goal that separates good players from special ones.
At 2-0, City were in complete control. Palace tried to respond, pushing forward in search of a way back into the game, but every move was calmly dealt with. City’s defence stood firm, organised and disciplined, refusing to give Palace any encouragement. The midfield controlled the rhythm, slowing the game when needed and accelerating it when space appeared.
Late in the match, City were rewarded again for their patience and quality. Savinho, lively throughout his time on the pitch, drove into the penalty area and was brought down. There was no hesitation from the referee. Haaland stepped up, as he so often does, and calmly dispatched the penalty to make it 3-0. Game over. Job done.
The result moved Manchester City back to within two points of Arsenal, sending a clear message that the champions are not going anywhere. Beyond the scoreline, it was the performance that impressed most. Controlled, mature, and ruthless when it mattered.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered a solid and reliable performance. Palace tested him early, and he responded with a series of important saves that kept City level during a tricky opening period. His distribution was also a weapon, with long goal kicks repeatedly pushing Palace back and relieving pressure. It was a performance built on concentration and composure, earning him a deserved rating of seven out of ten.
In defence, City were excellent across the board. Nunes contributed both defensively and going forward, delivering a quality cross and playing his role in maintaining the clean sheet. His awareness and positioning helped neutralise Palace’s wide threats, and he looked comfortable throughout the match.
Ruben Dias once again showed why he is one of the leaders of this Manchester City side. He was everywhere when City needed him, throwing himself into blocks, winning key duels, and constantly organising those around him. His communication was clear and constant, ensuring there were no lapses in concentration. It was a commanding display worthy of an eight out of ten.
Alongside him, Josko Gvardiol continued his steady rise in form. The partnership between the two centre-backs was impressive, shutting down Palace’s attacking options and keeping Mateta quiet. Gvardiol’s reading of the game was excellent, stepping in at the right moments and using his strength intelligently. Like Dias, he earned an eight out of ten for a performance full of assurance.
O’Reilly’s evening was a tale of two halves. He began the match looking slightly nervous, making a few mistakes that hinted at inexperience. However, he grew into the game after the break, contributing defensively and showing confidence in possession. His second-half display showed character and adaptability, finishing the match on a positive note with a rating of seven.
In midfield, City’s control was absolute. The ability to dictate tempo, recycle possession, and suffocate Palace’s attempts to build momentum was central to the victory. Guardiola’s system once again proved effective, with players understanding their roles and executing them with precision.
Phil Foden deserves special praise. Beyond his goal, his movement, pressing, and decision-making were outstanding. He constantly found space between the lines, linked play beautifully, and carried a threat every time he touched the ball. This version of Foden looks mature, confident, and ready to shoulder responsibility. His influence on this City team continues to grow, and performances like this will only strengthen his importance.
Erling Haaland, unsurprisingly, was the headline act. Two goals, constant movement, and a physical presence that Palace struggled to contain. Even when he was not scoring, his positioning dragged defenders out of shape, creating space for teammates. His penalty was taken with the calmness of a player who thrives under pressure. Another match, another reminder of his value.
Savinho also made a positive impact, using his pace and directness to trouble Palace’s defence. Winning the penalty late on was the reward for his persistence and bravery on the ball. His contribution added another layer to City’s attacking threat.
Pep Guardiola will be pleased not just with the result, but with the mentality his team showed. This was a potential banana skin, away from home, with pressure mounting and rivals watching closely. City responded like champions. There was no panic, no rushing, just belief in their process.
The clean sheet will also satisfy Guardiola. Defensive solidity has been a key foundation of City’s success, and shutting out Palace away from home is no small achievement. Every player understood their defensive responsibilities, tracked back when needed, and stayed focused until the final whistle.
As the Premier League season continues to unfold, matches like this could prove decisive. December is often unforgiving, with fixture congestion and fatigue testing squads. City’s ability to rotate, manage games, and still deliver results will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
For Crystal Palace, this was a reminder of the level required to compete with the very best. They showed spirit and moments of quality, but ultimately City’s class told. Hitting the bar in the first half was as close as they came, and once City scored, the gap between the teams became clear.
Manchester City now move forward with renewed belief. The gap to Arsenal is small. The season is long. And performances like this suggest that Guardiola’s side are ready for another long battle. The champions are calm, confident, and quietly dangerous.
If there was any doubt about City’s intentions after Arsenal’s late win, this match erased it. They are still here. Still chasing. Still capable of controlling games and punishing mistakes. And with players like Haaland and Foden delivering at key moments, Manchester City remain one of the most feared teams in English football.
As the final whistle blew at Selhurst Park, City’s players walked off with a sense of satisfaction rather than celebration. This was business. Another step. Another message sent. The title race is far from over, and Manchester City have no intention of stepping aside quietly.
This 3-0 win will not be remembered as the most dramatic of the season, but it may be remembered as one of the most important. Calm, professional, and ruthless, Manchester City showed exactly why they remain champions and why anyone hoping to see them fade away may be waiting a very long time.
