Foden inspires Manchester City’s win against Crystal Palace to close gap at top

No Erling Haaland, no Rayan Cherki and no Jérémy Doku from the start. The result: a canter to victory against Crystal Palace that takes Manchester City back to within two points of Arsenal with each having played 36 games.

The good news for Pep Guardiola is that a much-changed team did the business, with Phil Foden once again displaying the magic that can make him a force. The poorer tidings are that Arsenal host Burnley on Monday and the chances of them dropping points to the relegated visitors appear slim to say the least. By then City may be FA Cup holders or losing finalists on Saturday to Chelsea at Wembley.