Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, behind goals from Antoine Semenyo (32nd minute), Omar Marmoush (40th minute), and Savinho (84th minute) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Phil Foden assisted the first two goals, providing a crafty back-heel for Semenyo and a well-timed touch for Marmoush [1, 6, 7, 3, 5].

The win brought Manchester City’s point total to 77, just two behind league leaders Arsenal, who stand at 79 points, with both teams having two games remaining in the Premier League season [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8]. Arsenal’s next fixture is at home against already-relegated Burnley on Monday, May 11, 2026, which they must win to maintain their lead [1, 2, 8, 3].

Pep Guardiola praised Foden’s creativity, calling his performance "inspiring and vital for the team’s push." He said, "You need the quality, the spark, the talent, the vision... (Foden) receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. Like the good players, he can deliver and I’m really pleased for him" [6, 9, 5]. Foden himself emphasized squad depth and the importance of the win: "It’s a massive game, must-win, so we are really happy... We just have to keep pushing and doing our part" [6, 7, 3].

Guardiola noted the title race largely depends on Arsenal’s results. "Depends on them (Arsenal). If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough," he said [5]. He acknowledged challenges ahead with matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, emphasizing City's focus on these tests to keep their hopes alive [6].

Manchester City rested several key players against Crystal Palace, including Erling Haaland, making six changes to the starting lineup [6, 7, 5, 4, 3]. This win followed by Manchester City’s appearance in the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 16, 2026 [5, 10].

Pep Guardiola holds one year left on his Manchester City contract. Reflecting on his decade with the club, he said, "19 titles in 10 years is not bad... So 19 titles - fight for 20 in 10 years - it’s not bad, honestly" [10].

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained focused on the immediate challenge, saying, "We’re not thinking about that type of thing, the only focus is on Burnley and winning that game, that’s the thing that we can control" [8].

Manchester City’s next Premier League match is against Bournemouth on May 18, a must-win if Arsenal continue their winning form. The final match for City will be against Aston Villa on May 24 [6, 5].