CITY STAY PATIENT TO MAINTAIN TITLE PUSH

Foden lauds 2nd-half calmness in 3-0 win over Palace to keep pressure on Arsenal

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Phil Foden scoring Manchester City's second goal with a low left-footed strike during their 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Dec 16. PHOTO: REUTERS

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

Manchester City closed the gap on English Premier League leaders Arsenal with a “full team performance” as Erling Haaland’s double inspired a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Dec 14.

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 and England forward Phil Foden netted after the break.

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

Foden told Sky Sports: “We know what they are about. They make it tricky, set up well and have quality players on the break. The first half, we were just trying to figure them out. Second half, we started to hurt them more and in the end, we killed the game off.