Manchester City ensured the Premier League title race will go right down to the final days of the season after a commanding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side reduced the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just two points, piling pressure on the Gunners ahead of their clash against Burnley.
With only two matches remaining, City are now within touching distance and could still retain the title on goal difference.
Despite the convincing scoreline, City began the game at a surprisingly slow pace. Guardiola made six changes to the side that defeated Brentford, and for nearly half an hour Palace managed to keep the hosts quiet. But one moment of brilliance changed the atmosphere completely.
Phil Foden produced a stunning backheel assist to release Antoine Semenyo, who calmly finished to give City the breakthrough.
The goal sparked Guardiola’s men into life, and they doubled the lead soon after through Omar Marmoush. Josko Gvardiol floated a clever ball into the box, Foden reacted quickly, and Marmoush turned sharply before firing through a crowded area into the net.
Crystal Palace struggled to respond as City controlled possession and tempo with authority. The home side added a third goal late in the second half, thanks largely to substitute Rayan Cherki.
The French youngster dazzled with an electric dribble past multiple defenders before setting up Savinho, who guided a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
City now head into the FA Cup final full of confidence, while Arsenal know there is no room left for mistakes in the title race.