Man City secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on 14/12, with goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. This win in Premier League matchday 16 allowed Man City to significantly reduce the points difference with league leaders Arsenal, now trailing by just two points.

In the first half, Crystal Palace showed more intent, taking 7 shots and registering an expected goals (xG) statistic of 1,01, compared to Man City's 2 shots and 0,20 xG. However, the hosts were wasteful, notably when Yeremy Pino hit the crossbar in a one-on-one situation and Adam Wharton's one-touch shot from the edge of the box went over.

Erling Haaland (right) and Phil Foden both scored in Man City's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace during Premier League matchday 16 at Selhurst Park, London, England on 14/12. *Photo: Shutterstock*

Man City displayed a resilient approach, patiently waiting for their chance before striking in the 41st minute. From Matheus Nunes' cross from the right wing, Erling Haaland rose high to head the ball diagonally, placing it beyond the reach of goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The build-up to Haaland's opening goal involved 25 passes, the most for a Man City goal in the Premier League since Rodri's strike against West Ham in 5/2024, which involved 31 passes.

A similar scenario unfolded in the second half. Crystal Palace squandered opportunities when Adam Wharton hit the post in the 48th minute and subsequently paid the price. In the 69th minute, after receiving a pass from Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden shot from outside the box, sending the ball diagonally into the net and doubling the lead. Cherki recorded his sixth assist, the most in the league, while Foden increased his tally to 7 goals.

In the 87th minute, two Crystal Palace players misunderstood each other, allowing substitute Savinho to steal the ball and accelerate from his own half. The Brazilian forward burst into the penalty area, was fouled by Dean Henderson, and earned a penalty. From the 11-meter spot, Haaland struck low into the right corner, completing his brace and sealing the 3-0 victory. The Norwegian striker continues to lead the top scorer list with 17 goals, six goals ahead of second-placed Igor Thiago (Brentford).

Morgan Rogers (white shirt) scored the final goal in Aston Villa's 3-0 victory over West Ham at London Stadium, London, England on 14/12. *Photo: Reuters*

Meanwhile, Aston Villa continued their impressive run with a 3-2 victory at West Ham. Aston Villa have won 10 of their last 11 Premier League matches, including their last 6 games in a row – their longest winning streak in the league's history.

These results have heated up the title race. Arsenal still lead with 36 points, but are only two points ahead of Man City and three points ahead of Aston Villa. Next round, the "Gunners" (Arsenal's nickname) will visit Everton, Man City will face West Ham, and Aston Villa will clash with Man Utd.

Tottenham, however, disappointed with a 0-3 defeat to hosts Nottingham Forest. The "Spurs" (Tottenham's nickname) have won 6, drawn 4, and lost 6, accumulating only 22 points after 16 Premier League rounds this season. The last time they had a worse record at this stage of a national league season was in 2008-2009, with 18 points.

Hong Duy