Guardiola Praises Man City Big Statement After Crystal Palace Win

Pep Guardiola described Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace as a defining moment in their Premier League title challenge, underlining its importance as the season edges closer to a decisive phase. Playing at Selhurst Park on Sunday, City delivered a performance built on patience, resilience, and clinical finishing, even after struggling to dominate for long stretches against a determined Palace side.

The match remained finely balanced for much of the first half as Palace created several chances and threatened to disrupt City’s rhythm. City absorbed the pressure and eventually found their breakthrough late in the opening period when Erling Haaland rose to head home, shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors. That goal proved crucial, settling City and forcing Palace to chase the game.

After the interval, Palace continued to push forward, but City showed composure under pressure. Phil Foden doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, a moment that showcased City’s attacking quality at a time when Palace were still searching for an equalizer. Haaland later sealed the result with a calmly taken penalty, ensuring City left south London with a convincing scoreline that did not fully reflect the challenge posed by the hosts.

The win marked City’s fourth consecutive league victory and lifted them to second place, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. With the title race tightening, the result carried extra weight for Guardiola and his players, especially given the demanding schedule they have faced in recent weeks.

Why did Guardiola call the Palace win a big statement?

Guardiola was particularly impressed by his team’s mental strength and adaptability, coming so soon after a physically and emotionally draining 2-1 win against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu. He emphasized the importance of staying true to City’s identity regardless of the opponent or circumstances.

“Always when you approach the game, whoever the opponent, on your terms, good things are going to happen. There’s no sense to playing football without being who you are as an individual,” Guardiola said.

He acknowledged that City are still chasing Arsenal and have not yet reached the summit of the table, but stressed that progress is being made.

“Still we are not at the top, but we are learning. We will be closer in the future. After playing in the Bernabeu, then we prepared to play the FA Cup winners.”

The victory also carried personal significance for Guardiola, following last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Palace manager Oliver Glasner at Wembley. Palace have earned a reputation as a difficult opponent, having beaten champions Liverpool three times this season, and Guardiola openly recognized their strength.

“It’s behind a lot of work. Palace are so strong. Every time we play them it’s so difficult,” he said.

How does this win shape Man City’s title race momentum?

Guardiola admitted that City remain a work in progress after a costly squad overhaul since last season. While he sees room for improvement, he highlighted the team’s renewed fighting spirit, something he felt was missing at times last year.

“Many things we have to improve. Madrid gave me a lot of things, that still we are not ready, not in mentality but in how to approach certain games. They are young some of the players. But 3-0 here is a big statement for us,” he said.

Reflecting on City’s past success, Guardiola noted that resilience has always been a key ingredient in title-winning campaigns.

“When you win in the past, you believe the past was perfect, always brilliant, always the red carpet. When we won with 100 points, all the things we achieved, we had a lot of games like today. The resilience was part of that.”

He also pointed to recent performances as signs of growth and renewed belief within the squad.

“There are moments that you struggle. Madrid was not the perfect game, but it was a step. We fought unbelievably to achieve that.
We are in a better position than last season. We are close in the competitions we are in,” Guardiola added.

As the Premier League season intensifies, City’s win at Palace stands as a timely reminder of their depth, determination, and intent to remain firmly in the title conversation.

By Yockshard Enyendi