Manchester city vs crystal palace: key stats ahead of crucial clash

While mathematically Arsenal still have a faint chance to close the gap at the top, such a scenario would require an improbable combination of results. The Gunners would need to drop points in both of their remaining fixtures against already-relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace, while Manchester City secure victories against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola’s side, however, currently shows no signs of relinquishing their dominant position.

City’s fortress at the Etihad remains unbreachable

Manchester City have not tasted defeat at home in the Premier League since August, maintaining an impressive unbeaten streak stretching back to October 2021 against Crystal Palace. This includes five wins and three draws in their last eight league meetings with the Eagles. Despite suffering a setback in last season’s FA Cup final against Palace, City have dominated these recent encounters.

This season, City have been particularly lethal at home, with their 38 goals scored in the first half representing the highest tally in the league, while conceding just nine before the interval—the fewest in the competition. Furthermore, City have gone unbeaten in their last 23 evening fixtures, though they have settled for draws in five of their eight matches played after 7 PM this calendar year.

Haaland thrives against Palace, while Doku shines for City

Erling Haaland has developed a knack for finding the net against Crystal Palace, having scored in each of his five Premier League appearances against them in a City shirt. Only Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling have managed to score in their first six matches against the same opponent in Premier League history, both achieving the feat against Bournemouth.

Jérémy Doku is another player to watch, enjoying a remarkable run of form. The Belgian attacker has contributed five goals and two assists in his last six matches—matching his goal tally and surpassing his assist numbers from his previous 24 outings for City.

Palace’s attacking threats and historical milestones

Crystal Palace will rely heavily on Ismaila Sarr, who has netted nine times in his last ten starts for the club. His 20 goals this season mark the highest tally for a Palace player since Glenn Murray’s 22 during the 2012/13 campaign.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is poised to make history if he finds the net. A goal would see him join Wilfried Zaha as only the second Palace player to reach 50 Premier League goals for the club. Notably, just 17 of Mateta’s 49 league goals have come away from Selhurst Park, with only two of his 11 strikes this season arriving outside South London.

Recent away performances at the Etihad

Palace have managed to find the net in each of their last four away trips to the Etihad, scoring twice in each encounter. However, they have only claimed a single point from these four matches (1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses). The Eagles will need a heroic performance to avoid a heavy defeat, especially considering City’s attacking prowess.

City lead the league in goals scored (72), total passes (20,582), pass completion rate (89%), shots attempted (549), and shots on target (193). Their conversion rate of 18% is also second only to the best in the division.

Palace’s struggles and City’s dominance

In stark contrast, Palace rank lowest in pass completion (78%) and conversion rate (13%) in the Premier League. The Eagles may need to attack from the outset, as City have lost only once after taking the lead this season. Historically, City have netted 20 times and conceded 17 in the final 15 minutes before halftime—making this a critical period for both teams.

Injuries could further complicate matters. Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah are sidelined for Palace, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa are awaiting late fitness tests. On City’s side, Rodri and Josko Gvardiol are also unavailable, with Abdukodir Khusanov undergoing a late fitness assessment.