Erling Haaland may have been lackluster for most of the game, but with just one moment of weakness from the opponent, he immediately punished. That scenario was repeated once again at Selhurst Park.
The 2000-born striker was almost "missing" for the first 40 minutes, but when the opportunity arose, it was a precise header that defeated Dean Henderson, helping Man City take the lead.
Before the opening goal, Haaland only touched the ball 8 times. The moment he scored was also his first shot since the match started - a clear demonstration of the Norwegian striker's attacking instinct.
Haaland's goal helped Man City control the game as planned. Although the defense sometimes showed a lack of confidence, especially in Matheus Nunes' corridor when he lost the ball leading to a shot that hit the post of the opponent at the beginning of the second half, Pep Guardiola's team still stood firm to create a springboard for the next goals.
In the 69th minute, Phil Foden took advantage of Rayan Cherki's assist to double the gap. In the 88th minute, Haaland completed his double with a cool penalty kick, sealing a 3-0 victory for Man City.
The fourth consecutive victory helped Guardiola's army narrow the gap with Arsenal to 2 points. Haaland has further affirmed his position as a personal leader, reaching 17 goals in just 16 Premier League appearances this season.
