Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City saw off Crystal Palace to keep the pressure firmly on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
City travelled to London knowing top spot had briefly come into view after Wolves scored late against Arsenal, only for an injury-time own goal from Yerson Mosquera to restore Mikel Arteta’s side’s advantage.
Pep Guardiola’s men took care of their own business, though Palace ensured it was far from straightforward.
The hosts fashioned the clearest chance of the opening stages when Yeremy Pino timed his run to beat the offside line from Adam Wharton’s delicate pass, but the winger could only crash his effort against the crossbar with Gianluigi Donnarumma exposed.
City controlled possession but initially lacked sharpness in the final third, and Palace threatened again after the break when Wharton unleashed a fierce drive that struck the base of the post.
Those missed opportunities proved costly.
Four minutes before half-time, Matheus Nunes delivered a teasing cross to the back post and Haaland powered home a trademark header to break the deadlock.
Tijjani Reijnders then tested Dean Henderson early in the second half before Phil Foden doubled City’s lead with a classy, composed finish.
Haaland sealed the victory late on, calmly converting from the penalty spot after Savinho was brought down by Henderson, taking his league tally to 17 for the season.
By cutting the gap at the top back to two points, City continue to look every inch Arsenal’s main challengers.
Guardiola’s side have now scored at least three goals in four consecutive league matches and remain the division’s top scorers.
Much of that firepower comes from Haaland.
Often quiet for long spells, the Norwegian once again showed his ruthless efficiency - capitalising on a single clear chance before adding a late penalty.
His goals followed his match-winning strike in midweek at Real Madrid, underlining his importance in the biggest moments.
Foden’s form is also peaking at the right time.
His well-taken goal was his sixth in five games across all competitions, a timely reminder of his quality with England head coach Thomas Tuchel watching on.
Palace will reflect on what might have been after twice striking the woodwork against City.
Pino’s first-half miss was particularly costly and could have altered the momentum of the contest.
Wharton impressed in midfield, leading all players with four tackles, but was unable to make his chances count as he hit the post and dragged other efforts wide.
Despite this defeat, Palace’s strong start to the campaign keeps them fifth in the table.
However, their wait for a home league win against City goes on - now 11 matches without success, a run stretching back more than a decade.
