Man City keep title hopes alive after 3-0 win over Crystal Palace

Manchester City secured a vital 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The visitors thought they had made the perfect start inside the opening two minutes when Jean Philippe Mateta converted Brennan Johnson’s low cross from close range, only for the flag to rule it out for offside.

Moments later, the Eagles came close to breaking the deadlock when Chris Richards connected with Will Hughes’ corner, only to see his header drift narrowly over the crossbar.

At the other end, defenders Marc Guéhi and Abdukodir Khusanov both attempted efforts from range, but neither could trouble the goalkeeper as their shots drifted wide before Rayan Aït-Nouri saw his effort crash into the side netting minutes later.

In the 32nd minute, Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock after latching onto Phil Foden’s clever backheel before calmly slotting beyond Dean Henderson.

The visitors almost responded immediately via Mateta, but Gianluigi Donnarumma denied him.

In the 40th minute, Omar Marmoush doubled City’s lead after being picked out once again by Foden, turning smartly before drilling into the bottom corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Josko Gvardiol nearly added a third for the hosts when he met Foden’s cross, but Henderson produced a fine save to deny him.

Just past the hour mark, Bernardo Silva nearly gifted Palace a route back into the game when his loose back pass allowed Ismaila Sarr through on goal, but he was denied by Donnarumma.

In the 84th minute, Savinho completed the scoring after he was found by Rayan Cherki before finishing first time into the far corner.

Minutes later, the duo nearly linked up again for another goal, but Savinho’s volley flew just wide of the far post.

Manchester City are now within two points of Arsenal as the title race heads into its final two games.