Manchester City moved back to within two points of the Premier League summit with an impressive 3-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Goals in each half from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden then a late penalty from the Norwegian ensured City got their fourth league victory in a row to keep the pressure on leaders Arsenal, and it was a guileful, gutsy display that was needed to see off a Palace team who had sights on the top four.
Oliver Glasner could reflect on poor finishing from his side who had multiple opportunities to hurt the visitors while the game was goalless. In the end it was the difference, with two unerring executions from two players in wonderful form ultimately settling the bout in favour of Pep Guardiola's team.
Palace's best opening came early. Yeremy Pino kept himself onside, took the ball down sweetly on his chest then taking the chance early lofted a half-volley that beat Gianluigi Donnarumma but struck the top of the crossbar.
“It is a really tough place to come,” said Guardiola. “When you lose the ball they attack incredibly well but we were patient.
“We were lucky when they hit the post from Wharton but really pleased for the performance and victory to grow our mentality.
“Erling is a forward to score the goals but in the second half he keeps the ball. He was able to contain situations. He helped us be together. In the second half he was outstanding."
Sunderland savour Wear-Tyne derby glory
Sunderland edged Newcastle United 1-0 thanks to a disastrous own-goal from Nick Woltemade as the North-East rivals met in the Premier League for the first time in nearly a decade.
The fixture is one of English football's fiercest clashes and fans who marked their calendars after Sunderland's promotion were treated to an entertaining encounter where Woltemade scored just the second Premier League own goal in the Wear-Tyne derby.
After a goalless opening half, in which Newcastle's Dan Burn came off with a chest injury and was taken to hospital, Woltemade gave Sunderland the lead a minute into the second half when his attempted headed clearance flew into his own net
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