While mathematically Arsenal still have a theoretical chance of catching up, this scenario would require Mikel Arteta’s team to lose their final two fixtures against already-relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace, while Manchester City secure victories over Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
City remain undefeated at home in league play since August
Pep Guardiola’s side is unlikely to entertain such a possibility. Even after suffering a FA Cup final defeat to Palace last term, City have gone unbeaten in their last eight league meetings with the Eagles—five wins, three draws—since October 2021.
At home this season, City have not tasted defeat since a pre-season loss to Tottenham in August. Since then, they have taken the lead in every subsequent league match at the Etihad Stadium. Crystal Palace must therefore be ready to pounce from the first whistle.
The Citizens have netted 38 goals in the first half this term—the highest tally in the Premier League—while conceding just nine before the break, the fewest in the division. Another positive: they have not lost any of their last 23 evening fixtures, though five of their eight matches played after 19:00 this calendar year have ended in draws.
Haaland thrives against Palace
Erling Haaland has a special affinity for facing Crystal Palace, having found the net in each of his five Premier League meetings with the South London side in a City shirt.
Only Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling have previously scored in six consecutive league games against the same opponent—both against Bournemouth.
Jerémy Doku is another player to watch, enjoying a purple patch. His five goals and two assists in the last six matches compare to just one goal and six assists across his previous 24 appearances for the club.
The Eagles will rely on their own attacking talent to turn the tide. Ismaila Sarr has scored nine times in his last ten starts for Palace, while his 20 goals this season represent the club’s best tally since Glenn Murray’s 2012/13 campaign.
Jean-Philippe Mateta could also make history. A goal against City would see him join Wilfried Zaha as only the second Palace player to reach 50 Premier League goals for the club. Notably, 17 of Mateta’s 49 league goals came away from Selhurst Park, with just two of his 11 strikes this term coming outside South London.
Palace shows resilience in Manchester
Palace have recently troubled City on their own turf, scoring twice in each of their last four away trips to the Etihad—but winning only one of those four encounters (1W, 1D, 2L).
Only City and Arsenal have recorded more away victories than Palace this season, while the Eagles have suffered just two draws on the road.
The Citizens lead the league in total passes (20,582), pass completion rate (89%), total shots (549), shots on target (193), and conversion rate (18%). Former Palace captain Marc Guehi tops the team charts with 2,126 passes attempted.
Palace, by contrast, rank lowest in pass accuracy (78%) and second-worst in conversion rate (13%) in the Premier League. Expect early goals—the 15-minute window before halftime has seen City score 20 times and Palace concede 17.
City have lost just once after taking the lead this season. For Palace, the challenge is clear: they must dictate play and find the net quickly if they hope to salvage at least a point.
Injury concerns loom for both teams
Crystal Palace will be without Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa face late fitness tests.
Manchester City miss Rodri and Joško Gvardiol, with Abdukodir Khusanov also undergoing a last-minute assessment.
