City shatter Crystal
Jesus, Silva net goals as Manchester win three crucial points at Palace
London, Oct. 20: Manchester City brushed aside inform Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday to narrow the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to five points.
The defending champions travelled to London with questions over their ability to sustain a title challenge after two defeats in four league games but produced some incisive football without applying their usual killer touch in the game.
Pep Guardiola’s team were quickly into their stride against Roy Hodgson’s men, dominating possession and forcing Palace onto the back foot but they did not break the deadlock until shortly before half-time.
City were rewarded for their dominance in the 39th minute when Bernardo Silva whipped in a left-footed cross. Gabriel Jesus shaped to head the ball but it came off his shoulder and crept into the net off the far post past a rooted Wayne Hennessey.
They doubled their lead just two minutes later following a speedy counterattack.
When the ball came to Raheem Sterling he produced a delightful chip from just inside the area into the path of David Silva, who watched it drop over his left shoulder before guiding it into the net.
GUARDIOLA CALLS FOR
KILLER INSTINCT Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on his side to be more clinical after they brushed aside in-form Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday to narrow the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to five points.
City had 21 shots but Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey kept his side in the game and the visitors had their own ‘keeper, Ederson, to thank for a couple of outstanding saves at the other end.
“We played good, created a lot of chances. They are always so strong for the second ball. Unfortunately, we could not convert the chances we had but it was an important three points after the international break,” said City boss Guardiola.
“Hopefully we can start from here and continue our good performance,” Manchester city coach added.
They are always so strong for the second ball. Unfortunately, we could not convert the chances we had but it was an important three points after the international break.
— PEP GUARDIOLA
Manchester City manager