City v C Palace - 13 May 2026 | Manchester City F.C. Manchester City FC - Official Website of Man City F.C.

Thanks as always for your company on an evening when we got the job done.

Two Premier League games left and the title race is still on.

But now we focus on the FA Cup final and our 24th trip to Wembley as a neutral ground since Pep Guardiola took over.

That's this Saturday and it promises to be a special day. See you then!

This type of game, low block, defend so well. They did similar in final of FA Cup, defend really well with transitions and you need quality, spark, talent, vision. 

Something that is not on tactical boards, meetings, videos, training. He receives the ball there in the small spaces and creates something that only good players can deliver. I’m really pleased for him.

What I appreciate the most is that he played as a holding midfielder, a position he is not used to. He played there for the last 20 minutes against Brentford and was outstanding. 

It’s not that he’s lazy or doesn’t run. He runs incredibly all the time. He helped Bernie a lot and then we want him close to the box because close to the box he’s unique.

Surprise to start?

I know. To be fair I was surprised as well! I didn’t expect my name in the starting 11. I found out 2 or 3 hours before kick-off. You have to be ready. 

I’m happy to be back and happy to be in the starting 11. We all know we have three games left. Happy to be back and get some minutes. I would say it’s normal. I’m getting older and more experienced than a couple of years ago. I took it as a man and tried to play as simple as I can.

Foden's special assist?

Of course we know his quality and how good he is in small spaces. He is really good and I enjoy playing with him. I didn’t expect it but we know he is capable of these things. That’s exactly what we needed. It was a great assist.

Your header?

It was close. It would be too unreal to score a goal in my first game back from injury. Maybe in the next one.

Injury?

It hasn’t been easy. After I got injured I just accepted it as a new challenge. I’m just glad to be back. I’m feeling good actually. I wouldn’t say I’m at my 100%. It’s nomal, I need minutes

Overall?

Massively important at this stage of the season, some fresh lads coming in. Josko as well, first game back in a long time. We were all excited to play. I’m ready. It was a massive game and it was a must-win game. I’m really happy.

Your first assist?

I checked a few times before receiving the ball and saw Ant make good movement. It’s one of them, sometimes it doesn’t come off and sometimes the risk is worth trying. Very delighted that it came off and that we scored from it. Obviously I’m buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is most important.

Second assist?

It’s one of them. I just tried to help it on to Omar. It was a bit scruffy. The centre back was coming across, I didn’t realise I had more time. Josko’s great pass helped.

How tough this season been for you?

I would say I had a good first half of the season then dropped off a bit. I’ve had to wait and be patient. Training as had as I can and when I got my moment today I had to make the most of it. Everyone has to play their part.

Title race?

Just keep pushing and keep them on their toes. We’ve seen a lot of things can happen on the final day. We just have to keep pushing and doing our part.

If you want to get a point or more at the Etihad, you need to deliver a perfect performance. City were too good for us. We were okay in parts but not good enough overall.

Head to your Cityzens feed to enter tonight's competition!

John Stones took the armband for the final 10 minutes in his penultimate home game as a City player.

And how great is it to see Foden beaming from ear to ear too?

So, we've done all we can tonight.

That means we're two points behind Arsenal, with both teams having two matches remaining.

And with a goal difference now one better than the Gunners, we've boosted that column.

We're still relying on one of Burnley or Crystal Palace getting something against them.

Possession: City 72% - 28% Crystal Palace

Passes completed: City 645 - 215 Crystal Palace

xG: City 1.56 - 0.68 Crystal Palace

Shots: City 15 - 6 Crystal Palace

Corners: City 9 - 4 Crystal Palace

Fouls committed: City 10 - 7 Crystal Palace