Five Things We Learned from Manchester City’s 3-0 Win over Crystal Palace.
- Lewis Walkden
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Manchester City continued their strong run of form with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite a difficult opening period in which Palace largely controlled the tempo, Pep Guardiola’s side showed their ruthlessness to take control of the game when it mattered most. Goals from Erling Haaland (2) and Phil Foden ensured a comfortable scoreline by full-time, extending City’s winning run and reinforcing their momentum.
Erling Haaland is the difference maker in the title race
Even on days when Manchester City are not at their fluent best, Erling Haaland remains the ultimate safety net. For large parts of the first half, Palace dictated the rhythm of the game, with City struggling to maintain possession or create clear chances. Yet, just before the break, Haaland rose highest to head City into the lead, completely shifting the dynamic of the match. His late penalty also sealed the result and underlined a simple truth, when City find Haaland at the right moment, he can turn any game on its head. The second half was far more convincing from City, but it was Haaland’s clinical edge that made the difference.
2. Rayan Cherki Is Restoring Creativity to City’s Attack
Rayan Cherki continues to add a layer of creativity that City have occasionally lacked this season. His assist for Phil Foden’s goal in the 69th minute took his tally to six assists in just 466 Premier League minutes, an outstanding return. Cherki’s ability to receive the ball under pressure, evade defenders in tight spaces and still pick out runners is unbelievable. The chemistry he is developing with Foden is especially exciting, and is something that all City fans can look forward to.
3. Phil Foden’s Form Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Phil Foden once again delivered a goal for Manchester City, scoring a superb finish from the edge of the box. The composure he showed, along with his intelligent movement and link-up play, summed up his confidence in this City side. With six goals in his last four games, Foden is playing with authority and consistency, cementing himself as one of City’s most important players.
4. Momentum Is Building for City
This victory marked Manchester City’s fifth consecutive win in all competitions, a run that suggests Guardiola’s side are rediscovering their rhythm and belief. The recent win at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid, followed by an authoritative 3–0 win away at Selhurst Park, feels like a genuine statement of intent. City are sharpening up at the right time, looking more confident and cohesive with each passing game. While it remains early in the season, this growing momentum reinforces that Manchester City are firmly in the race for both the Premier League and the Champions League if this level of performance continues.
5. Defensive Questions Still Remain
Despite the clean sheet, there are still some unanswered questions surrounding Manchester City’s defending, particularly during a shaky first half. City’s backline attempted to play the offside trap on several occasions, with a few instances backfiring and allowing Palace to threaten in behind. Combined with City’s struggles to retain possession early on, Palace found moments of encouragement going forward, and with greater clinical edge, the game could have taken a very different turn. That said, credit must be given where it’s due. Rúben Dias was composed and authoritative throughout, while Nico O’Reilly impressed with yet another fearless display, repeatedly using his pace and intensity to shut down wide threats and prevent crosses. The foundations are there, but this performance was a reminder that there is still work to be done defensively.
