Sergio Aguero fires Manchester City to brink of title

Manchester City moved to the brink of a 3rd Premier League title in 4 seasons as a chunk of magic by Sergio Aguero set them on the best way to a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s aspect had been completely dominant however lacking a innovative till Aguero’s gorgeous half-volley end simply earlier than the hour mark broke Palace’s resolve at Selhurst Park.
A minute later Ferran Torres’s scientific low shot doubled City’s benefit and so they might have racked up an even bigger margin of victory as they turned on the type with Raheem Sterling denied by the woodwork and Joao Cancelo additionally going shut.
With 4 video games left, City have 80 factors, 13 forward of Manchester United who host Liverpool on Sunday realizing that defeat would seal the title for his or her neighbours.
“It was a long time that I hadn’t played 90 minutes,” Aguero, who scored solely his second league aim of an injury-hit season, informed BT Sport.
“The goal was good because maybe we can win the Premier League. We wait for tomorrow. Every game is difficult. Of course, if Liverpool win it’s better.”

FT: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City
If Manchester United lose to Liverpool on Sunday, Manchester City shall be confirmed as Premier League champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rTFIYk1h28
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 1, 2021
Should United draw on Sunday they might nonetheless mathematically catch City however their aim distinction is much inferior. If United win, City can seal the title by beating Chelsea subsequent weekend.
After being left within the shade by Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp final season, Guardiola is aware of City are nearly as good as champions.
“We can start to put the champagne in the fridge — not to open yet, but it is there,” he mentioned.
MANY OPTIONS
The embarrassing wealth of choices obtainable to Guardiola was evident once more as he left the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker on the bench, with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final towards Paris St Germain which they lead 2-1.
Yet his beginning line-up nonetheless oozed high quality with an attacking quartet of Aguero, Sterling, Jesus and Torres.
Sterling, whose place within the crew is now not assured, ought to have put City forward after skipping into the field however he delayed his shot and his effort was blocked.
Jesus thought he had opened the scoring with a close-range volley however he had strayed offside and City, for all their possession, seemed to be taking part in in third gear and didn’t power a save from Vicente Guaita earlier than the interval.
Palace’s solely actual likelihood fell for Christian Benteke however his close-range effort on the flip was saved by Ederson.
It was left to Aguero, veteran of 4 City title triumphs, to interrupt the impasse with a end of gorgeous high quality.
The 32-year-old Argentine, within the remaining weeks of his magnificent City profession, was picked out by Benjamin Mendy’s move. His first contact was excellent and his second elegant as he thrashed the ball previous Guaita with out breaking stride for his 182nd Premier League aim for City since becoming a member of in 2011.
Torres threaded a shot previous Guaita 83 seconds later, City’s 700th aim beneath Guardiola, and so they appeared able to working riot with Sterling thumping a shot towards the publish and whistling one other effort simply huge.
Cancelo additionally curled over the bar and Guaita denied Aguero a second aim late on as City closed in on the second a part of what they hope shall be a treble this season, having secured the League Cup final weekend.