Manuel Pellegrini’s side were at the business end of a tight title race with Liverpool when we faced the Eagles.
The Reds had to win their final three games of the season to pip Manchester City to the title but that all change on a dramatic Sunday with two weeks of the season remaining.
While City were preparing for a tricky game in London, Liverpool were facing a much-changed Chelsea team with many of their players rested for a Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid.
But Jose Mourinho’s side pulled off a shock 2-0 win at Anfield that handed the advantage back to City – if we could overcome Palace.
That wouldn’t be easy with Tony Pulis’s side winning their previous five matches ahead of our visit which had powered them from a relegation battle to midtable.
Pellegrini was delighted to welcome back Yaya Toure who had missed our previous two matches with a thigh injury.
The Ivorian was in inspired form throughout the 2013/14 campaign and again he stood tall with a dominant performance against the Eagles.
An early goal settled the nerves with Toure sending over a perfect cross that Edin Dzeko headed home to give us a fourth minute lead – his 24th of the season, with two others to follow as we landed the title.
City kept pushing for a second and Toure had a penalty shout turned down by referee Howard Webb after his first-time shot hit Damien Delaney on the arm.
But a sensational second followed shortly before the break. Toure exchanged passes with Samir Nasri before bursting forward, holding off Delaney and curling in a delightful finish.
Joe Hart saved well from Jason Puncheon to ensure there was no fightback and City picked up a crucial three points.
It was a significant day that saw the direction of the title race changed towards City.
“It was a happy day,” Pellegrini said. “It was very important for us. Before we were depending on other teams. Now we continue as we were two weeks ago, depending only on what we do.”
City would win our three remaining games against Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham while Palace would have one last say, coming from three goals down against Liverpool to draw 3-3.
Then, just as now, Selhurst Park has always been one of the toughest away games on the calendar.
Premier League 2026/27 home tickets now on sale
General admission tickets for Manchester City’s home 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are now on sale to Premium, Matchday and Junior Members.
Season Ticket Members, meanwhile, are now also able to purchase additional tickets for selected games.
Premier League match-by-match ticket prices for junior and adult Matchday Members have been retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
It promises to be another thrilling campaign for the Blues as we enter a new era under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who takes over from Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.
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