Crystal Palace secured a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Manchester City at Selhurst Park on 28 August 2026, moving them up the Premier League table and sparking optimism among fans.

How did the match unfold?

Palace opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Jean‑Philippe Mateta tapped in a low cross from the right. City responded quickly, with Erling Haaland equalising from a corner at the 31st minute. The dead‑lock was broken five minutes from time when Mateta struck again, this time from inside the box, sealing a 2‑0 lead that held until the final whistle. The match ended 2‑1 after City’s late consolation.

What do the stats reveal?

The home side recorded 10.8 shots on average per game this season, and produced 14.5 shots in this fixture, outpacing City’s 12.3. Palace’s possession sat at 51 % compared with City’s 67 %. Mateta finished with 12 league goals, two of which came on the night, while Haaland added his 27th of the campaign. Goalkeeper Walter Benítez posted a 6.3 rating, making three key saves.

Why is this win significant for Palace?

The victory lifts Palace to 5th place in the Premier League, their highest position since the 2021‑22 season. It also marks the first win against a top‑four opponent this campaign, boosting morale ahead of the upcoming Europa League tie. Manager Roy Hodgson praised the team’s resilience, noting the importance of securing three points against a title‑challenger.

What’s next for the Eagles?

Palace travel to Liverpool for their next league match on 4 September, while City regroup for a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The Eagles will also face a mid‑week Europa League group game against FC Porto, testing squad depth after the intense weekend. Fans will be watching to see if the momentum from Selhurst can be sustained across competitions.