Manchester City had a comfortable win over Crystal Palace to move top of the Premier League table.
This was a weird game. Manchester City, chasing the title, always looked comfortable, and yet, Crystal Palace were in the game the whole way. In fact, in the second period, it’s safe to say that Palace had the better of the game, but did lack a cutting edge in the final third.
The quality in those key areas perhaps reflect where Crystal Palace are in comparison to the top teams in the league. They are a solid side, with glimpses of talent throughout their squad, however, they do not possess the cutting edge ability of a Manchester City or Arsenal.
City started slowly, but got the first goal to settle their nerves. Fabian Delph opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a long range strike. He cut inside after receiving the ball from David Silva, wound up his left foot and hit the ball low into the bottom right corner. It was a good strike but Wayne Hennessey will be disappointed, having got a hand to it, that he was unable to push the ball round the post.
The second came from that man Sergio Aguero once again, as the Argentine striker picks the ball up with far too much space just outside the area, and fires it towards goal. It takes a wicked deflection, leaving Hennessey stranded, and put City 2-0 up heading into the dressing rooms.
In the second half, Palace were much the better side. However, they were unable to create any clear cut chances. While City looked lethargic and slow, Palace dominated possession. However, a typically slick City move saw they’re wonderful attacking midfielders in Silva, Toure and De Bruyne all link up to eventually lay the ball on a plate for Mr Aguero once again who simply tapped the ball home.
David Silva wrapped up the points with a lovely tap in after an unselfish pass from Sergio Aguero, and put City top of the table.
Highlights
David Silva goal vs Crystal Palace [4-0] #MCFC https://t.co/tcdPLPR5Ha
— Sir Stiles (@SirStiles007) January 16, 2016
Next Week
Manchester City travel to West Ham in the late kick off on Saturday.
Crystal Palace will try to get back on track at home against Spurs.