Manchester City cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points after a commanding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City controlled the contest for long spells and deservedly went into the break with a two-goal advantage thanks to strikes from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush.
Savinho later added a third goal to cap off an impressive evening for Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Palace thought they had made the perfect start when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net inside two minutes, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite making several changes to the starting lineup, City gradually settled into their rhythm against a disciplined Palace defence that sat deep and absorbed pressure as heavy rain poured down at the Etihad.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 32nd minute after a brilliant pass from Phil Foden released Semenyo, who calmly drilled a low finish beyond Dean Henderson.
Foden’s assist marked his 100th Premier League goal involvement, and the England midfielder quickly added another contribution eight minutes later.
Josko Gvardiol’s cross was cleverly helped on by Foden before Marmoush reacted sharply to fire home from close range for City’s second.
Gvardiol almost added a third before halftime, but Henderson produced an outstanding save to keep out the defender’s powerful header.
City remained firmly in control after the interval, though clear-cut opportunities were limited as both managers made several substitutions.
John Stones received a huge ovation from the home supporters following his introduction, while Palace struggled to threaten on the counterattack.
The hosts eventually sealed the victory late on when substitute Rayan Cherki surged forward and delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Savinho, who finished neatly past Henderson to complete the 3-0 triumph.
City will now turn their attention to Wembley, where they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday as they chase a domestic cup double.
