Thibaut Simon, Media365, published on Saturday December 7, 2024 at 6:44 p.m.
Despite their midweek victory against Forest, Manchester City fell back on the Crystal Palace pitch by conceding a draw (2-2).
Manchester City is far from cured! After a series of seven games without a win in all competitions, Pep Guardiola stopped the bad momentum in the middle of the week. A clear success against Nottingham Forest (3-0). But 72 hours later, City have failed to confirm. Trailing twice and despite Haaland's goal, Manchester conceded a draw after finishing the match at 10 following the exclusion of Rico Lewis (83e).
Walker in trouble
City did not lose, but City once again showed their defensive apathy. Captain Kyle Walker was not exempt from all criticism over the two goals conceded. On the first, the Englishman does not line up and lets Munoz finish the job against Ortega (4th, 1-0). On the second, the defender marking Lacroix, let the Frenchman get the better of a corner taken by Hughes who provided two assists in this match (56th, 2-1). Defensive largesse that Manchester City has been paying cash for lately. Fortunately for Pep Guardiola, his team managed to react. The Spaniard will have to be content with that.
Haaland and Lewis responded
Lacking success in front of goal, Erling Haaland remains a dangerous attacker for opposing defenses. The proof against Crystal Palace. Nunes' superb cross found the Norwegian's head at the far post (30th, 1-1), who scored his 13th goal of the season. Then, the young Rico Lewis, just 20 years old, made the Crystal Palace defense dizzy. Well served by Bernardo Silva after a combination with Gundogan and De Bruyne, the Englishman sent a shot into the top corner (67th, 2-2). Despite his second yellow synonymous with red for an unclear foul, City tried at the end of the match, confiscating the ball from the locals. But the two teams will of course part with a draw, which does not help Manchester City. With one more match compared to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, the Cityzens could see their competitors take a little further advantage.
