Champions Manchester City narrowed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Two weeks on from a surprise defeat by Wolves, Pep Guardiola''s side made a blistering start to proceedings but had to wait until the 39th minute for the breakthrough to arrive, as Gabriel Jesus met Bernardo Silva''s cross with a clever, flicked header. It took just 93 seconds for David Silva to double the advantage, the Spaniard allowing Raheem Sterling''s delightful chipped pass to drop over his shoulder before volleying past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Hennessey produced quality saves to deny both Bernardo Silva and Jesus twice apiece as City were prevented from running riot, but Christian Benteke''s powerful header struck the crossbar as the hosts failed to capitalise. As City sought to extend their lead in the second half, the video assistant referee (VAR) upheld referee Anthony Taylor''s decision not to award a penalty after Wilfried Zaha and Kevin de Bruyne collided in the Palace penalty area. Guardiola''s side return to second in the table following Leicester City''s earlier victory over Burnley, five points behind leaders Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp''s side set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday (16:30 BST). Indicative of the impressive, yet somewhat under-the-radar, start Palace have made to this campaign, Roy Hodgson''s side began this match with the potential to leapfrog their opponents in the table and climb into the top four after nine games. The hosts were therefore expected to make life rather uncomfortable for Guardiola''s stuttering side, but despite Hennessey''s superb efforts they were unable to take advantage of the champions'' makeshift defence. There were unconvincing moments at the back for City, with Wilfried Zaha offering a capable threat on the counter, but their best opportunities did not arrive until the closing stages. Hennessey touched the ball more than any of his team-mates in the opening half an hour, his initial invincibility suggesting his side could add to their tally of three clean sheets in four home matches this term. It was, forgivably, two moments of quality that unravelled Hodgson''s best laid plans. The Eagles, who had won back to back league games, enjoyed a promising final period, however Ederson was equal to what they could offer - most notably keeping out Zaha''s powerful strike from close range and tipping Benteke''s effort onto the bar - but Palace remain sixth despite the defeat.