Manchester City moved to the brink of a third Premier League title in four seasons as a piece of magic by Sergio Aguero set it on the way to a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The wealth of options available to Pep Guardiola was evident as he left the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker on the bench, with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against Paris St Germain.
Cover Story: Europe's Dirty Dozen: How the European Super League lost steam
Yet his starting line-up still oozed quality with an attacking quartet of Aguero, Sterling, Jesus and Torres.
City was totally dominant, but missed a cutting edge until Aguero's stunning half-volley finish just before the hour mark broke Palace's resolve.
The 32-year-old Argentine, in the final weeks of his City career, was picked out by Benjamin Mendy's pass. His first touch was superb and his second even better as he thrashed the ball past Guaita without breaking stride.
ALSO READ | Liverpool's Klopp says teams will find it harder to stop Man City
A minute later, Ferran Torres's clinical low shot doubled City's advantage. Torres threaded a shot past Guaita 83 seconds later and City looked as though they could run riot with Sterling thumping a shot against the post and whistling another effort just wide.
It could have racked up a bigger margin of victory, but Raheem Sterling was denied by the woodwork and Joao Cancelo also went close.
Palace's only real chance fell for Christian Benteke, but his close-range effort on the turn was saved by Ederson.
With four games left City has 80 points, 13 ahead of Manchester United who hosts Liverpool on Sunday, knowing that defeat would seal the title for its neighbours.
"It was a long time that I hadn’t played 90 minutes," Aguero told the BBC.
"The goal was good because maybe we can win the Premier League. We wait for tomorrow. Every game is difficult. Of course, if Liverpool win it’s better," he added.
Even if United win, City can wrap up the title by beating Chelsea next weekend.
Comments
SHARE