Pep Guardiola assesses ‘really important’ victory at Crystal Palace

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola stressed the importance of his side’s 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace.

The champions closed the gap to league leaders Arsenal, who play Fulham on Sunday, to two points thanks to Erling Haaland’s 78th-minute penalty.

City had 68 per cent possession and had 14 shots at Palace’s goal during the 90 minutes at Selhurst Park.

“Football is like that,” said the former Barcelona boss of his side’s 1-0 win.

“We played incredibly well against Nottingham Forest and we drew.

“From my experience, every time we come to Selhurst Park, we played really, really bad and we won.

“The next time, every time we come, we were excellent – last season was an incredible example.

“They defend really well with the physicality they have. 

“I had a feeling that Ayew, Olise, Zaha and when Eze came on in the second half – they have incredibly talented players. 

“The fact that they keep the ball, have a good connection between each other and attack the channels.

“In the end, we found the penalty. We won the game. At this stage of the season, it’s really important.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD