Manchester City have made it clear to Liverpool and Arsenal that they are going nowhere in the Premier League title race.
Kevin De Bruyne stole the show as the reigning champions ran out 4-2 winners over Crystal Palace to move level on points with the leaders.
Palace stunned City with an early opener after John Stones, returning from injury, had given the ball away.
Jean-Philipe Mateta was set through on goal and scored expertly but the lead didn't last long thanks to some De Bruyne excellence.
Man City news: Kevin De Bruyne put on a show as City beat Crystal Palace
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The Belgian, rested against Aston Villa in midweek, cut inside and curled an unstoppable strike in the top right-hand corner of Dean Henderson's goal.
City took the lead for the first time just after the break when Rico Lewis' deflected strike beat Henderson.
Erling Haaland then grabbed a goal from close range before De Bruyne thumped in a fourth for the visitors with his left foot.
Odsonne Edouard scored a late consolation for Palace as GB News looks at what we learned from what turned out to be a relatively comfortable afternoon for City.
De Bruyne looking ominous
If De Bruyne can stay fit for the remainder of the season, you'd be brave to bet against City.
Many think City have to win every game and if there is one team capable of doing it, it's Guardiola's.
De Bruyne was making just his eighth Premier League start of the season but now has eight goal contributions to his name.
He set up Haaland for his 19th of the campaign as well as grabbing two fine goals of his own.
Guardiola has the conundrum of how to get both De Bruyne and Phil Foden in his team in their favoured positions.
It was Foden who grabbed the headlines in midweek, scoring a hat-trick in the win over Aston Villa.
The England star was rested today ahead of a busy schedule, which includes facing Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.
How Guardiola balances his team selection may have a big say in where the title goes.
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Goal difference vital
Man City news: Pep Guardiola's side are now level on points with Liverpool
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City are usually way ahead of their rivals on goal difference but that hasn't been the case this term.
They started this round of matches 10 goals behind Arsenal and four adrift of Liverpool.
They have now closed that gap slightly and have plenty of time to reduce it further in the coming weeks.
With such a close title race, there is a real possibility that goal difference could be the deciding factor.
Positive signs for Palace
Man City news: Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be pleased with his side's attacking display
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Oliver Glasner has only been in charge of Palace since mid-February and the Eagles have won just once since his arrival.
He will likely need a full pre-season to completely implement his style at Selhurst Park.
But there are positive signs that things are heading in the right direction.
Scoring twice against City is no mean feat and shows that they are more dangerous in the final third than earlier this season.
