Pep Guardiola’s side can win the league title on Sunday if Manchester United lose to Liverpool.
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Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres were on target as Manchester City inch closer to the Premier League title. Quickfire goals from Aguero and Torres in the second half helped Pep Guardiola’s side beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park. Thanks to the victory, City are on the cusp of getting the league title back from Liverpool. Infact Manchester City can win the league as early as Sunday if their rivals Manchester United lose to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
On the back of a grueling midweek Champions League match, which Man City won 2-1 at PSG, Guardiola had made eight changes to that squad. The shuffling of the first team did affect the way in which the league leaders played as City failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
The notable piece of action was when Gabriel Jesus’ goal was ruled out for offside. Palace did have a few chances of their own but the scoreline was unaffected at half-time. It took 12 minutes after the break for Man City to have the first two shots on target and surprisingly both resulted in goals.
Mendy put in a low cross for Aguero and the Argentine made no mistake in firing the ball into the roof of the net. It was only his second Premier League goal of the season. About 83 seconds later, Aguero helped set up the second goal. Torres’ shot beat Vicente Guaita as the visitors doubled their lead.
The second goal of City was their 700th goal scored in all competitions under Pep Guardiola. Buoyed with confidence, City were flying high. First, Raheem Sterling sent a shot onto the bottom of the post before Benteke blocked an Aymeric Laporte effort. But it was Sterling, who missed few chances to triple their advantage in the second period.
Palace did fightback but it was too little and too late as City hung on to secure the 2-0 victory. Overall, City had 70% possession along with 20 shots, compared to Palace’s nine attempts.
Pep Guardiola’s boys have now won their 11th away Premier League victory in a row. They are level with the all-time English top-flight record for successive away wins. Chelsea had earlier managed it in 2008 and City themselves reached the feat in 2017.
