Even in a week when they have beaten the mighty Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu, this must rank as one of Pep Guardiola’s most satisfying victories of the season.
It was Oliver Glasner who condemned the Manchester City manager to his first season without a major trophy since his first year in English football when Crystal Palace enjoyed the greatest day in their history at the FA Cup final back in May. So outsmarting one of the Premier League’s shrewdest operators would have provided Guardiola extra contentment, not to mention helping City move back to within two points of leaders Arsenal.
Erling Haaland sent them on their way after holding out against a determined Palace side during the first half before adding a late penalty to take his league tally for the season to 17. But it was Phil Foden who again impressed in front of the England manager Thomas Tuchel as he scored his sixth goal in his past four appearances to seal City’s revenge.
Both sides came into this game boosted by positive results in Europe in midweek, albeit against contrasting opposition. With 24 hours more to recover after their Champions League victory on Wednesday, Guardiola only made one change as Tijjani Reijnders replaced Jérémy Doku, who was ruled out due to a leg injury.
