Manchester City’s second-string side eased past Crystal Palace 3-0 on Wednesday to move within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, with two matches remaining in a tightly contested title race.
Pep Guardiola made six changes to the side that defeated Brentford 3-0 at the weekend, with Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku among those rested on the bench. Palace manager Oliver Glasner also rotated his squad.
First-half goals from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush gave City control at a wet Etihad Stadium, before a late strike from Savinho sealed a comfortable win.
The result further intensifies a gripping title race that had swung in City’s favour in recent weeks, before last week’s 3-3 draw at Everton handed Arsenal renewed control at the top.
City players had earlier watched Arsenal secure a 1-0 win over West Ham after a stoppage-time equaliser was ruled out following a VAR review.
City opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Phil Foden delivered an exquisite backheel pass for Semenyo, who calmly finished into the far corner past Dean Henderson.
Eight minutes later, Foden turned provider again, setting up Marmoush, who netted his third Premier League goal of the season.
Veteran defender John Stones, who is set to leave at the end of the season, was introduced late on and received a warm reception from supporters.
Moments later, Rayan Cherki carried the ball from his own half before assisting Savinho, who finished clinically to complete the scoring.
The victory moves City to 77 points, two behind Arsenal, although Guardiola’s side now hold a superior goal difference and have scored more goals.
City face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday as they chase a domestic double after already winning the League Cup this season.
Before the match, Guardiola defended his decision to rotate heavily, citing the congested fixture schedule and the need to manage player fitness.
Despite the narrow gap, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal remain strong favourites to secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
If Arsenal beat relegated Burnley next Monday, City will need to defeat Bournemouth the following day to keep the title race alive heading into the final weekend.
On the final day of the season, Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace while City host Aston Villa, with Guardiola’s side currently on a 14-match unbeaten league run.
Phil Foden insisted the title race is still open, stressing the importance of squad depth and consistency in the closing stages of the season.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are focused on the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27, which will also mark Oliver Glasner’s final match in charge.
AFP
