Pep Guardiola explains rotating squad in Palace win as focus shifts to Chelsea
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says giving some players vital game time and resting others was crucial as the Premier League giants head towards the final days of the season.
The City boss made six changes to the side that beat Brentford, and his team selection paid off with an energetic and deserved 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026.
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Asked if he had achieved his aim, Pep replied: “Of course, [we have the] FA Cup final, but we also have three days. Chelsea are at home preparing the final. We have to travel to London, and they will be at home. That is fatigue and fatigue and fatigue. I have full confidence in all the squad. Imagine all the players that didn’t play today, they are so good,” he explained.
“I thought we need energy and Savinho had an incredible game. [Palace had] two strikers, always they score a goal. In general it was really good against a team always create problems. Three goals against Brentford and again here, I cannot complain. Now we rest and focus on the final. It’s a pleasure to go to the cathedral again to play the final. Hopefully it’s better than the last two times,” the gaffer said.
Title charge
And asked if his team can take the title race to the final day, he replied: “We know against Brentford and today then nothing to do. But now we’re trying to bring hope to the last game. Next [opponents] are Bournemouth, wow, look at what they are doing and then Villa. We know Unai. We will try to do what we can.” He added.
City moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over the Eagles at the Etihad.
They were held at bay for the opening half hour until Foden prised open the defence with a clever backheeled pass to Antoine Semenyo, who finished with aplomb.
That was his 100th Premier League goal involvement, assist or goal,and he soon got his 101st which was finished by Omar Marmoush, before Savinho added a late third.
