Manchester City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, extending their underwhelming run of form. Despite a midweek win over Nottingham Forest, Manchester City’s inconsistency persists, and they were made to work hard for the point. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will feel they were unlucky not to claim all three points after a spirited display.
The match got off to a flying start as Palace took the lead after just four minutes. Will Hughes delivered a precise ball to wing-back Daniel Munoz, who was afforded far too much space to calmly fire the Eagles ahead. Manchester City looked sluggish, and Palace could have added a second, with Eberechi Eze and Jefferson Lerma both having shots blocked by City’s defense.
City eventually found their rhythm, and Erling Haaland was on hand to level the scores. The Norwegian striker rose high to head home a superb cross from Matheus Nunes, bringing City back into the game. However, Palace responded quickly. Maxence Lacroix, meeting a Hughes corner, headed in to restore the lead for the home side.
Just when it seemed Palace might hold on for a famous win, City struck again. Bernardo Silva played in Rico Lewis, whose brilliant strike from the edge of the box flew into the top corner to earn City a point. But there was further drama, as Lewis was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Trevoh Chalobah late in the game, leaving City with 10 men for the closing moments.
Manchester City’s defensive frailties were laid bare in this game, with Kyle Walker at fault for both Palace goals. The veteran defender played Munoz onside for the first and was beaten too easily by Lacroix for the second. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, starting again in place of Ederson, also made an error for the opener, letting the ball slip through his body.
City’s attack was also out of sync. Haaland, who netted his 13th Premier League goal of the season, has now scored just three times since September. He could have had more but saw a shot blocked by goalkeeper Dean Henderson after breaking through on goal.
Palace’s Positive Display and Manchester City Frustrations
Despite the draw, Palace will take confidence from their performance. Hughes was the standout player, contributing two brilliant assists. His delivery to Munoz was inch-perfect, while his corner for Lacroix’s header was equally impressive. The Eagles created plenty of chances, registering 13 shots to City’s 12, and could have had more had it not been for some heroic defending from Ruben Dias, who blocked four Palace attempts.
City were left frustrated at the final whistle when the referee blew for full-time just as they were launching a promising attack. Their failure to capitalize on opportunities, combined with defensive errors, sums up their recent struggles.
The result leaves Manchester City eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, with City having played a game more. Palace, meanwhile, sit four points clear of the relegation zone, and their unbeaten run extends to four games, though three of those have been draws.
Pep Guardiola’s side now face two crucial fixtures: a Champions League trip to Juventus on Wednesday, followed by a Manchester derby against United at the Etihad next Sunday. Can Guardiola find a way to spark a return to form for his team, or will City’s struggles continue as they chase down the top spot?
