Manchester City’s struggles in the Premier League continued with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at a stormy Selhurst Park on Saturday. Despite fighting back twice through Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis, Pep Guardiola’s side failed to secure a win and now have just one victory in their last six league matches.
Early Setback and Haaland’s Response
City’s defensive frailty was exposed early when Daniel Munoz scored for Palace in the fourth minute. Latching onto Will Hughes’ pass, Munoz slotted past Stefan Ortega, who managed a touch but couldn’t keep it out.
Haaland leveled the score in the 30th minute with a towering header from Matheus Nunes’ pinpoint cross. The Norwegian’s 13th league goal of the season ties him with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah atop the scoring charts.
Palace’s Second Blow and Lewis’ Heroics
Crystal Palace reclaimed the lead in the 56th minute as Maxence Lacroix capitalized on City’s slack defending, heading in Hughes’ corner unchallenged.
Rico Lewis restored parity in the 68th minute, racing onto Bernardo Silva’s incisive pass and rifling home an emphatic finish. It was the 19-year-old’s first goal of the season and a moment of brilliance in an otherwise challenging night for Man City.
Late Drama and Guardiola’s Frustration
The game turned in the 84th minute when Lewis was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Trevoh Chalobah. Guardiola was visibly upset with the decision, confronting the officials post-match.
Man City, now fourth in the league with 27 points from 15 games, remain nine points behind leaders Liverpool. Palace, sitting 16th, edged further from the relegation zone with a spirited display.
Guardiola’s Take
Reflecting on the result, Guardiola praised his team’s effort but acknowledged the uphill battle this season.
“We fought incredibly and came back twice,” he told BBC Sport. “It’s a season to suffer. We have to be more consistent, but I’m proud of the fight the players showed.”
City’s next challenge will be crucial as they aim to rekindle their title hopes amid mounting pressure.
