Erling Haaland scored the only goal as Manchester City managed to secure a narrow one-nil victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park Stadium to move two points close to table-topper Arsenal.
Manchester City completely dominated the encounter as soon as the first kick of the ball but that did not stop the Eagles from holding the visitors to a goalless draw in the first half despite having 72 per cent ball possession and eight shots towards goal.
It was the same scenario in the second half of the match, even though City were in control and dictating play, they were held back by the composed defense line Crystal Palace, which Arsenal loanee, Sambi Lokonga placed played a huge part before a mistake by Michael Olise in the cusp of the match.
Suddenly in the 78th minute, Palace found themselves on the negative side of Robert Jones’ decision, who without thinking twice gave City a penalty after Nigerian-born Olisa caught IIkay Gundogan’s legs inside the 18-yard box.
Norwegian goal-poacher Haaland made no mistake in converting from the spot as he sent goalkeeper Vicente Guaita the wrong way to secure the vital three points for City as they reduced Arsenal’s league lead to just two points.
With the goal, Haaland took his Premier League goal tally to 28 goals from 26 appearances as the Norway international continues to sit comfortably atop the EPL highest goalscorers’ chart.
Meanwhile, Arsenal can go five points clear of City again given the Gunners win their own crucial game against in-form Fulham at the Craven Cottage tomorrow, as the race to the Premier League title continues to gain momentum.
Speaking after the match, Haaland told Football Daily: “Every single Premier League game is a fight. I enjoy it, I enjoy every single second!. This is England. This is what I’ve been watching my whole life, so I enjoy every second being in it. It’s good to be in the middle of it!”
