First-half goals from Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure gave Manchester City victory over Crystal Palace this afternoon as Manuel Pellegrini's side closed in on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
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City took the lead at Selhurst Park after just three minutes when the returning Toure floated over a cross for Dzeko and the Bosnian headed powerfully and low past Julian Speroni.
Chances were few and far between in the opening 45, with Toure doubling the visitors' lead two minutes before the interval.
The Ivorian exchanged passes with Samir Nasri before muscling his way into the box and curling a left-foot shot into the far corner.
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After half time, Jason Puncheon's long-range shot was beaten out by Joe Hart as Palace struggled to break down City's backline and really create a meaningful opening.
Down the other end, Toure was causing the hosts plenty of problems and came within inches of picking out Sergio Aguero for a third in the 57th minute.
City remain third but are now three points behind leaders Liverpool after their defeat to second-placed Chelsea earlier today.
City have a crucial game in-hand and better goal difference, with Chelsea between the two, one point better off than City having also played a game more.
Palace, meanwhile, see their impressive five-game winning streak come to an end.
Pascal Lemesre
