This City Never Sleeps

Whisper it softly... but it looks like Manchester City is back. Having gone through a seeming overhaul; they are now ominously reaching their former selves; as shown by their latest 5-match winning streak that has a very familiar feel to it.

Their latest was a comprehensive 3-0 away win over fellow high-flyers Crystal Palace; and a seemingly close game turned out to be anything but. Palace's strength has always been their rock-solid 3-man defensive backline of Maxence Lacroix; Chris Richards & Marc Guehi; that is so dependable that they basically have 1 extra player somewhere else; as such when the defence fails; it almost turns out with tragic consequences.

And it did this time; as the US international Richards let Erling Haaland loose for just a split moment; but it was enough for the hottest striker in the world to nod home powerfully from Matheus Nunes' beautifully-delivered cross. Palace only had themselves to blame; as their early superiority was not converted into goals; notably when Yeremy Pino crashed a glorious chance against the crossbar when it frankly seemed easier to score.

With Rayan Cherki in particularly menacing mood; it was left to Phil Foden; himself going through a revival of sorts; to fire past Dean Henderson for the second goal. And in all honesty; by the time substitute Savinho charged through on a breakaway solo run to win the penalty for Haaland's third; the race had already been run.