Man City drop more points with draw at Crystal Palace: Five talking points from the game | OneFootball

Rico Lewis scored a stunning equaliser but was sent off as Manchester City dropped yet more points in the Premier League as they drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace.

Daniel Munoz opened the scoring for Palace four minutes in, before Erling Haaland’s brilliant header brought Pep Guardiola’s men level.

Maxence Lacroix put the Eagles back in front after the break before Lewis fired in the equaliser with a wonderful finish. The drama would not end there as the City defender was shown a second yellow for a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah.

Here are five things we learned from the match…

City’s defensive frailties laid bare again

It only took four minutes for Manchester City to concede yet again in the Premier League. Whilst they secured a clean sheet against Nottingham Forest during the week, the Citizens still allowed their visitors to have 12 shots, and today Pep Guardiola’s side struggled at the back once again. Daniel Munoz’s opener for Palace was the 20th league goal conceded by City this campaign.

Palace look back on form under Glasner

A couple of weeks ago, Oliver Glasner’s position as Crystal Palace manager looked under threat. The Eagles had not won a league game yet, and were struggling without the influence of star player Michael Olise following his transfer to Bayern Munich. But after wins against Tottenham and most recently Ipswich, Palace have risen out of the relegation zone to 16th place and look to be back playing the attacking football that won them so many plaudits last season.

Kyle Walker’s struggles continue

What has happened to Kyle Walker? The City right back has had an outstanding career for club and country since arriving in Manchester in the summer of 2017. However, after a Euros campaign which highlighted some defensive weaknesses, Walker has not been able to resurrect the form that saw him become one of the best in the world in his position. His drop off in pace has been a real concern, with the 32-year-old appearing unable to utilise his incredible recovery runs anymore.

Will Hughes pulls the strings

This may have been Will Hughes’ best match as a Crystal Palace player. The former Watford midfielder joined the Eagles in 2021, but up until recently has had a career in south London plagued by injury and a lack of game time. Under Glasner, the 29-year-old has played some of his best football, and was the best player on the pitch, picking up two assists and controlling the game from deep.

City drop further points in the title race

Today’s draw for Manchester City means they have only picked up a four points from a possible 18 after another match where they have dropped points. Factoring in the losses to Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham in the Champions League and Carabao Cup respectively, as well as bottling a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord, Guardiola’s side have only won once in the last nine games. Alarming.