No Phil Foden, no problem as Man City down improved Crystal Palace

Oh, the luxury of resting world-class players and knowing those you do field will still do the business.

This time it was Phil Foden’s turn to take a breather for Manchester City, the England star fresh from his hat-trick against Aston Villa in midweek but kept on the bench here.

Back into Pep Guardiola’s team came and Erling Haaland. Two goals and an assist from the Belgian and a 19th Premier League goal of the season from Haaland; despite trailing after three minutes and one second; and now level on points with leaders Liverpool. More than job done for City.