Man City Keep Title Race Alive with Dominant Win Over Crystal Palace

Manchester City kept their Premier League title hopes alive with a convincing 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top to just two points with two matches remaining.

Had Pep Guardiola’s side dropped points, Arsenal could have secured their first league title in 22 years with a win over Burnley on Monday. Instead, City remain firmly in the race and could take the battle to the final day if they overcome an in-form Bournemouth side on Tuesday.

“I am really pleased,” Guardiola told Sky Sports after the match. “We just try to stay alive until the next game.

“Unfortunately, it is not in our hands. It is not easy, but it is important that we are there. This group of players are extraordinary.”

Before facing Bournemouth, City must first turn their attention to Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.

Guardiola’s Gamble Pays Off

With the FA Cup final looming, Guardiola rotated his squad heavily against Palace, making six changes from the side that defeated Brentford 3-0. Key attackers Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki all started on the bench.

“The manager is here to take the risk,” Guardiola said before kick-off.

The gamble proved successful, with Phil Foden delivering a standout performance after returning to the starting lineup for his first Premier League start in two months.

Foden played a crucial role in the opening goal in the 32nd minute, producing a brilliant no-look backheel pass that set up Antoine Semenyo, who netted his 16th league goal of the season.

“Sometimes it doesn’t come off, but sometimes a risk is worth trying and I’m very delighted it came off and we scored from it,” Foden told Sky Sports.

“I was buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points. We have to keep pushing and keep them [Arsenal] on their toes.

“We have seen that a lot of things can happen on the final day. I have experienced it many times. We have to keep pushing and doing our part.”