LONDON (AFP)
Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland's double inspired a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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 this season to complete City's fifth successive win in all competitions.
Arsenal's dramatic late win over bottom of the table Wolves on Saturday had put pressure on City to respond.
"Erling is a forward to score the goals but in the second half he keeps the ball. He was able to contain situations. He helped us be together. In the second half he was outstanding," Guardiola said.
After coming from behind to win 2-1 at Real Madrid in their glamour Champions League clash in midweek, a trip to freezing south London to face their FA Cup final conquerors was a testing trip for far different reasons.
Haaland had barely had a kick before he put City ahead in typically predatory fashion in the 41st minute.
Matheus Nunes curled a pin-point cross towards the far post and Haaland peeled away from Chris Richards to thump a superb header past Henderson from six yards.
Donnarumma preserved City's lead, diving at Jean-Philippe Mateta's feet and then saving the France striker's close-range effort.
Haaland wrapped up City's gritty win in the 89th minute, calmly sending Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot after the Palace keeper had fouled Savinho.