Manchester City secured a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, with Erling Haaland scoring the only goal of the game. Despite fielding a depleted team, City managed to secure their fourth win in a row in all competitions and kept their third consecutive clean sheet. Haaland’s goal came from a penalty against a Crystal Palace team that has not won at home since October. Although City weren't particularly sharp, their victory showcased their evolution as a team.

John Stones returned to City’s starting lineup after being out with a hamstring injury since January. Although Stones played in what appeared to be a four-man centre-back lineup, he was often seen playing in midfield in possession. The absence of Kyle Walker from the starting XI meant that City was left without a genuine full-back on the pitch, a key area in many of Pep Guardiola's teams. Guardiola stated that they needed Stones' physicality against Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze.

Palace played a hard-working 4-2-3-1 with constant harrying and cover from Albert Sambi Lokonga. Jeffrey Schlupp did a man-to-man job on Bernardo Silva, while City kept the ball and controlled the tempo. Although City was less alluring and distinct in this pared-back, Haaland-centred form, they were able to secure the win. Haaland, who did very little outside the space between the posts, proved his skill in taking these moments.

Despite the awkward and chilly conditions, there was a sense of relief for Manchester City at the end of the game. This win was a much-needed victory for City, as they are currently in second place in the Premier League, five points behind Liverpool. This season, City has been without a natural width in the full-back areas and has lacked fizz in their attacking combinations. However, with victories like this one, City is proving that they have the ability to adapt and evolve as a team.

Manchester City had a depleted team, with no natural width in the full-back areas and a lack of fizz in their attacking combinations. John Stones returned to the starting line-up after an injury, and it looked like a four-man centre-back lineup on paper. In practice, Stones played in midfield to create an overload in the centre when in possession. However, the absence of Kyle Walker left City without a genuine full-back on the pitch, an area where Pep Guardiola's teams usually excel.

In the first half, City kept pressing but struggled to create many clear chances. Haaland missed an easy chance in front of goal before the half-hour mark. In the second half, City played with four centre-backs on the pitch after Julián Álvarez replaced Phil Foden. With 75 minutes gone, Haaland's penalty broke the deadlock and gave City the lead.

Despite Palace's attempts to press harder after conceding the goal, City hung on comfortably enough for the win. The victory may not have been the cavalry charge that City fans were hoping for, but it was a crucial win. This City team is evolving, and although they may be a little less alluring and distinct in their Haaland-centered form, they are getting the job done.