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Crystal Palace logo
Premier League
Apr 27, 2014 at 4.10pm UK
 
Manchester City logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-2)
Dzeko (4'), Toure (43')

Manchester City defeat Crystal Palace, close in on Liverpool

First-half goals from Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure give Manchester City victory over Crystal Palace as they close in on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

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.

Edin Dzeko of Manchester City celebrates scoring the opening goal with Samir Nasri of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match against Crystal Palace on April 27, 2014© Getty Images

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.

Yaya Toure of Manchester City scores his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Crystal Palace on April 27, 2014© Getty Images

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.

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Edin Dzeko of Manchester City celebrates scoring the opening goal with Samir Nasri of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match against Crystal Palace on April 27, 2014
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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