Manchester City kept the Premier League title race alive after a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace moved them to within two points of leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side responded to mounting pressure with an assured performance at the Etihad Stadium, ensuring the title battle will continue into the final week of the season.
City had entered the match knowing anything less than victory would hand Arsenal a major advantage in the race for the title.
Despite making six changes to his starting lineup ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea, Guardiola still saw his side dominate after a slow opening period.
Foden inspires rotated City side
Phil Foden proved decisive after being handed only his third start in City’s last 13 matches.
The England midfielder sparked the contest into life with a clever backheel that released Antoine Semenyo, who finished clinically to open the scoring.
Foden then created the second goal with a low pass across the box for Omar Marmoush, who turned and finished for his eighth goal of the campaign.
Savinho added a late third goal to complete the victory.
Crystal Palace’s best opportunity came shortly after the opener when Tyrick Mitchell forced a strong save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Title race heads into final stretch
The result leaves City two points behind Arsenal with both clubs now having played 36 league matches.
Arsenal can still secure the title if they win their remaining fixtures, beginning with a clash against Burnley on Monday.
City, meanwhile, face AFC Bournemouth in another crucial fixture before ending their domestic campaign later this month.
Guardiola’s side have already won the Carabao Cup this season and could still complete a domestic treble if they add the FA Cup and Premier League title before the campaign concludes.
