The Palace curse is finally broken (for now). Winless in their last two matches versus Crystal Palace, City showed a side of them that has been missing in the past. It was poor from the beginning for City as they started slow offensively and allowed Palace to capitalize off the little time they had up the pitch. After 21 minutes, City was down 2-0, and it looked as if they were on course to repeat the mistakes from their Palace fixtures last year.

    The first half was poor from City. The ball movement was slow, and there seemed to be a lack of urgency and creativity while attacking. The second half started with improvement, but despite a well-played goal by Bernardo Silva to cut the deficit to one, City still needed to improve their general play. This change became evident when Pep made an early second-half sub (very un-Pep like) and brought on Gundogan and Julian Alvarez for Mahrez and Cancelo. City switched to a back 3, Bernardo pushed out wide, and Alvarez joined Haaland up top.

    From here, the game changed completely for Manchester City. It has been a while since City has had a poacher in their squad - a well-rounded striker who can find the tight spaces and finish at ease. It is astounding to hear that many doubted the potential of Haaland scoring goals almost every week for City. Adding a world-class striker to a team who has the ability to create chances is a recipe for success. In a game like Saturday’s, Haaland became that x-factor City had missed in past games like this. From a floated cross from Foden and a driven pass (or bad shot) from Stones, Haaland bagged a brace due to his ability to be in the perfect position to score. Service is so important for Haaland to succeed and score, but he does not only need the ball in the 18-yard box in order to put the ball past the keeper. As seen in City’s fourth goal of the game (Haaland’s third), his speed and strength make him an incredible danger in a one-on-one situation. His ability to shield the ball, shrug off a defender, and then finish is on par with the best forwards in the world.

    City will continue to succeed offensively and score plenty of goals. With five goals conceded in the past two games, City’s defense needs to tighten up in order for long-term success throughout the season. City will adapt with time, and if they do, all teams around Europe should be scared.

    City’s next game will take place on August 31st, home versus newly-promoted Nottingham Forest - a matchup that has not taken place in 13 years.