In an enthralling Premier League clash, Crystal Palace held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park on Saturday, further dampening the reigning champions’ title aspirations. Meanwhile, fierce weather conditions caused the postponement of the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, leaving the Reds as league leaders unchallenged for the weekend.
City’s Stuttering Form Continues
City had the chance to climb to second in the table following a commanding 3-0 midweek win over Nottingham Forest, which had seemingly halted their alarming slump. However, their struggles resurfaced against a resilient Palace side.
The game began disastrously for Pep Guardiola’s men as Daniel Muñoz, showcasing his trademark attacking verve, latched onto Will Hughes’ incisive pass to give Palace the lead just four minutes into the match. The Colombian defender’s clinical finish underscored his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season.
Erling Haaland, determined to keep pace in the Golden Boot race, responded with a towering header from Matheus Nunes’ pinpoint cross to equalize in the 30th minute. The Norwegian striker’s 13th league goal of the season places him level with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah atop the scoring charts.
Palace Refuse to Back Down
City dominated possession early in the second half, but the hosts stunned them again. Maxence Lacroix capitalized on Hughes’ expertly delivered corner to restore Palace’s lead in the 56th minute with a powerful header.
Rico Lewis, playing with maturity beyond his years, delivered City’s second equalizer in the 68th minute, curling a stunning strike into the top corner. However, his heroics were marred by a late sending-off in the 84th minute, leaving the visitors to cling to a draw.
Implications for City
The result leaves City in fourth place with 27 points, eight adrift of Liverpool. With just one win in their last nine outings across all competitions, City’s quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title hangs in the balance. Guardiola’s squad must find consistency to remain contenders in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive season.
Muñoz Shines Bright
For Crystal Palace, Daniel Muñoz’s performance was a particular highlight. The Colombian, already a key figure for his national team, has transitioned seamlessly to the Premier League, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. His goal against City exemplified his knack for delivering in big moments, delighting the Selhurst Park faithful.
View this post on Instagram
As the league approaches its midway point, the stakes continue to rise. Can Manchester City overcome their struggles, or will a new champion emerge this season? One thing is certain: the Premier League remains as unpredictable as ever.
