Manchester City had to rely on a penalty kick by Erling Haaland to beat Crystal Palace in a Premier League game at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Crystal Palace had been resolute in defending against their guests, who needed all three points to keep their hope of displacing leaders Arsenal alive.
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Pep Guardiola’s men could not break down the Palace defence despite having more possession. Haaland wasted a chance to put his side ahead when he hit his header over the bar. Foden also saw his free-kick saved by Vicente Guaita to keep the scores at 0-0.
The Spanish safe hands also kept Rodrigo’s shot away to ensure it remained 0-0.
Substitute Julian Alvarez almost opened scoring for City after a brilliant turn, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Haaland had his chance to shine after Michael Olise fouled Ilkay Gundogan in the box in the 78th minute. The big Norwegian stepped forward to send Guaita the wrong way and give City the much-needed lead.
Palace almost levelled, but nobody could connect with Wilfried Zaha’s low ball into the box after he beat substitute Kyle Walker.
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Manchester City are now within two points of table-toppers Arsenal, who play Fulham tomorrow. Palace are 12th with 27 points.
