Haaland double powers City past Palace to close on Arsenal

MANCHESTER

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City closed the gap on English Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland’s double inspired a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace yesterday.Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side moved within two points of Arsenal after a hard-fought success at Selhurst Park. Norway striker Haaland opened the scoring late in the first half, before England forward Phil Foden netted after the break.

Haaland bagged his 23rd goal of the season to complete City’s fifth successive win in all competitions.

Arsenal's dramatic late victory over bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Saturday had put pressure on City to respond. Guardiola’s men were up to the task, overcoming a spluttering display largely thanks to the quality of their finishing.

“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,” Guardiola said.

After coming from behind to win 2-1 at Real Madrid in their glamour Uefa Champions League clash in midweek, a trip to freezing south London to face their FA Cup final conquerors was a test for very different reasons.