Erling Haaland was the star of the show for Man City at the Etihad Stadium as his three goals saw the hosts come back from a 0-2 half-time deficit to take the points against Crystal Palace. The visitors were two goals to the good after 21 minutes after a Stones own goal and an Andersen header, but a dominant second half display from Man City proved to be too much for the away side. Bernardo Silva also got on the scoresheet in a performance which shows why Man City could finally win the Champions League this season.

Crystal Palace got off to a dream start in the fourth minute when Eze's free-kick deflected off John Stones and went into the back of the net. The goal left the home crowd stunned. Haaland had a chance to level with a header, but after 21 minutes, things got even worse for the hosts.

Joachim Andersen rose highest to a corner and beat Edersen to his right. The goal was incredibly controversial as Joao Cancelo was elbowed in the face by Edouard in the lead up to the corner. Referee Darren England missed it and Guardiola's side were two down.

Man City were shaken and tried to look for a goal. Despite applying pressure on the visitors, Patrick Vieira's men easily kept them at bay for the rest of the first half. The only time the hosts threatened was when Foden found Bernardo Silva and the Portuguese headed over from close range. The Eagles were two up at the interval, but it was a different City in the second period.

August 27, 2022

They came out a dominant force and in the 52nd minute, Bernardo Silva pulled one back when his strike deflected off Schlupp to leave Guaita with no chance. The hosts very nearly levelled just after the hour mark after a brilliant run by Bernardo Silva, but his finish was disappointing. City did not have to wait long to score again though.

The ball found Foden and he played a beautiful ball to Erling Haaland six yards out and he headed in to draw the home side level. The Norwegian goalscorer was not done for the afternoon though. 20 minutes from time, City took a quick corner, the ball reached Alvarez after several passes, he gave to Silva who cut back for Stones and he laid off for Haaland to tap in from close range at the far post.

Crystal Palace were well and truly outclassed in the second period and they never looked like salvaging a point from the contest in the closing stages. If there was any doubt, there was time for Haaland to complete his hat-trick when Gundogan played a beautiful pass for Haaland who slotted past Guaita. It was a terrific performance from the Sky Blues after a poor first half display. As for Palace, they put up a very good show, but not even that was enough.

J. Andersen

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