Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City secured a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, moving two points behind leaders Arsenal. Phil Foden added a second-half goal, while Palace hit the woodwork twice but couldn't find the net. The win extends City's strong form in the Premier League.
Manchester City claimed a comfortable 3-0 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on December 14, 2025, at Selhurst Park. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a header from Matheus Nunes' cross, marking his 16th goal of the season. Despite Palace dominating early chances, including Yeremy Pino's strike hitting the crossbar and Adam Wharton's shot striking the post shortly after halftime, City took control.
Phil Foden doubled the lead in the 69th minute with a driven shot, providing a cushion. Haaland sealed the victory in the 89th minute from the penalty spot after Dean Henderson fouled Savinho, bringing Haaland's tally to 17 goals and making him the league's top scorer.
Pep Guardiola praised Haaland's second-half performance as 'outstanding' but noted Foden 'didn't play well,' saying, 'I always demand of Phil not to lose the ball. He lost a lot in the first half, because he was in sixth gear. You have to play more calmly and change the rhythm at the right moment.' Former Palace winger Jobi McAnuff highlighted Haaland's instinct: 'What more can we say about this goalscorer extraordinaire? He’s hardly been in the game and hardly touched the ball but, as soon as a bit of quality comes into the box – and it was a brilliant cross – he’s just got that knack of knowing where to be at the right time.'
Crystal Palace made five changes to their lineup, starting Dean Henderson, Nathaniel Clyne, Tyrick Mitchell, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ismaila Sarr. Injuries sidelined Chadi Riad (knee), Daniel Munoz (knee until January), Rio Cardines (groin), and Cheick Doucoure (knee), with Jaydee Canvot on the bench after illness. Manchester City, missing Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, started with one change, bringing in Tijjani Reijnders for Jeremy Doku.
Statistically, Palace remain winless in their last 11 home Premier League games against City since a 2-1 win in April 2015. City lead the league with 38 goals this season. The result leaves Palace reflecting on missed opportunities, while City prepare for Brentford in the EFL Cup.
