Man City punish Palace without Haaland

Manchester City kept their Premier League title hopes alive after defeating Crystal Palace 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

Fixture: Manchester City 3-0 Crystal PalaceScore: 3-0Goalscorers: Semenyo (32'), Marmoush (40'), Savinho (84')

The Cityzens got back to winning ways over the weekend with a 3-0 triumph over Brentford but they came into the clash five points behind league leaders Arsenal, who secured a controversial 1-0 win over London rivals West Ham United on Sunday.

The Eagles nearly got off to the perfect start when Jean-Philippe Mateta slotted home from close range, however the celebrations were cut short for an offside in the build-up.

City dominated for all of the encounter but had to wait until the 31st minute for the opening goal as Phil Foden turned provider and delightfully played in Antoine Semenyo, who rifled the ball home for his 17th league goal of the campaign.

The lead was doubled in the final five minutes of the second half as Foden was instrumental once again with a lovely touch in the box to set up Egypt international Omar Marmoush, who turned well before firing into the far corner.

With City comfortably leading, Guardiola made a double change just before the hour mark as Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol made way for Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake, while Palace threw on Ismaila Sarr, Adam Wharton and Jorgen Strand Larsen moments later.

The hosts continued pushing for more goals as the second half continued as Marmoush went close to adding to their advantage but the Egyptian sent a couple efforts just wide of Dean Henderson's upright.

Palace, however, nearly pulled one back against the run of play on 82 minutes when Strand Larsen was sent through on goal down the right side of the box, however the Palace striker sent his effort wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma's upright.

City made the points safe two minutes later when substitute Rayan Cherki surged towards the box before playing in Savinho with a lovely pass, before the Brazilian winger calmly fired into the far corner to seal the win, as they move to within two points of Arsenal.