Manchester City are unbeaten in 11 games across all competitions
Manchester City marked their 200th Women's Super League outing with a dominant win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
City controlled the game from the outset but had to be patient for the opener as Palace showed resilience in defence.
After struggling to enjoy success from wide areas, City midfielder Jess Park took matters into her own hands and broke the deadlock with a long-range strike in the 40th minute.
City doubled their advantage just minutes into the second period when Jill Roord pounced on a loose ball in the box.
Palace did not create a great deal but went closest just after the hour mark when Katie Stengel struck the post.
That was the only clear sight at goal for the hosts, who suffered further punishment when City striker Khadija Shaw grabbed her fourth goal of the season in the 73rd minute.
The victory extends City's unbeaten start to the season, winning five and drawing one, and puts them three points clear of second-placed Brighton, while they have a six-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea, who face Everton at 18:45 GMT.
Palace have now lost four of their opening six fixtures and sit ninth.
Khadija Shaw was the top scorer in last season's WSL with 21 goals
Man City strengthen grip on top spot
After missing out on the WSL title on goal difference to Chelsea last season, City appear fully motivated to win the league for just the second time, having previously topped the pile in 2016.
City have a habit of getting the job done against newly promoted clubs like Crystal Palace, winning 24 of their 25 fixtures against teams coming up from the Championship - a draw against Liverpool in May 2023 is the only exception.
Gareth Taylor's side are yet to taste defeat across all competitions this campaign, winning each of their past eight games.
"It's 10 games in all competitions unbeaten, one draw and nine wins," Taylor said.
"When you look at some of the opposition in there it's pretty impressive, but we don't get ahead of ourselves, we try to stay humble and are aware of areas we need to improve on."
Taylor's side did their best work on the flanks with Lauren Hemp and Aoba Fujino regularly getting to the byeline and delivering quality balls into the area.
Palace, who have the worst defensive record in the division with 15 conceded in six games, looked up to the task initially, with central defenders Felicity Gibbons and Brooke Aspin consistently winning their battles, while goalkeeper Shae Yanez commanded her six-yard box with authority.
However, City's quality eventually shone through as they dominated possession and explored every avenue.
Shaw and Hemp both tested Yanez in the first half before Park put City in front.
Roord's header early in the second half essentially put the game to bed, although Palace may have grown in belief had Stengel managed to sneak her shot inside the post.
A clinical passing move, rounded off by the head of WSL top scorer Shaw, ensured the match was placed firmly out of Palace's reach and allowed the visitors to take their foot off the gas in the closing stages.
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