Manchester City got the job done against Crystal Palace with a 3-0 win on Sunday afternoon, but Pep Guardiola was only further handed evidence that he should replace one of his troops with a star who is shining bright at Selhurst Park.
Erling Haaland made Palace pay after a solid start from the hosts when he hit goal 101 in City colours, coming alive at the right time to put his side in front. The Norwegian's goal separated the two teams at half-time.
Palace pushed for an equaliser, but it didn't arrive, and Phil Foden was on hand to grab his side's second midway through the second half. The English attacker produced a superb finish before Haaland bagged a brace from the penalty spot afte Dean Henderson had brought Savinho down.
There wasn't much for Guardiola to complain about as his men closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to two points and against opposition they have found tricky in recent times. But the Spanish coach might just be pondering whether he'd be better off with one of Oliver Glasner's troops on his team.
Crystal Palace 0-3 Man City: Wharton Stars While Nico Struggles
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Guardiola may already be making his list for next summer despite the upcoming January transfer window because opportunities are usually limited in the winter. That includes a potential move for Palace's in-demand midfielder Adam Wharton, who put in yet another impressive performance against City despite finishing up on the losing side.
The 21-year-old was tasked with playing a more defensive role given the opposition and often got the better of Nico Gonzalez. He won three of four tackles, five recoveries, won both of his aerial duels and was heavily involved throughout.
Wharton also hit the woodwork as he tried to get Palace back into the game, and with Thomas Tuchel in attendance, he may just be putting pressure on Elliot Anderson for a starting berth in the England team. But he might also have taken Guardiola's interest up a notch, especially given the disappointing display from Gonzalez.
The Spaniard struggled to impress at Selhurst Park and was perhaps fortunate others were on their game. The 23-year-old won just five of his 10 ground duels and was helped out by the City defence when he made an error leading to a shot from the hosts.
Guardiola has shown in the past he is prepared to move on quickly and Gonzalez might just need a reminder of how his future was in doubt during the summer. Such performances as today bring his status as Rodri's replacement into question once again.
Fans Slam Nico After Making Wharton Look 'Busquets-Like'
Adam Wharton
Gonzalez's improvement this season saw him heralded as he finally looked to have adapted to life in the Premier League and with City. His continued run in Guardiola's starting lineup has suggested his future lies at the Etihad but it doesn't guarantee he remains a starter come next season.
City are reportedly among several clubs eyeing Wharton and Palace are prepared to sell if a multi-million offer is made for the England international. The Sky Blues could be looking at the former Blackburn Rovers youngster as an upgrade.
Some fans have suggested that would be the case after watching both midfielders in action today. One fan wrote on X:
"Rare Nico failure so far, Adam Wharton is world class, how is he still at Palace?"
Another supporter felt as though the former FC Porto midfielder was frightened of the Englishman:
"That whole play happened because our midfield and Nico being scared of Wharton. Who destroyed them all and got the ball back."
One fan added:
"Wharton has been bullying Nico all game, it’s a sad sight to see."
Another claimed that Wharton was made to look like Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets:
"We're making Wharton look like Busquets. What is wrong with this City midfield??? Nico is busy dropping a stinker."
One added:
"Nico is having a shocking game.. he's a weak link today."
Gonzalez arrived at City from Porto back in February for around £50 million but wasn't regularly used by Guardiola in the second half of last season. This has changed this term but he will be looking over his shoulder with similar midfielders such as Wharton catching the eye of the Etihad's transfer chiefs.