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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was satisfied with the point and claimed that no Premier League team is currently weaker in set pieces than his side after the visitors equalized twice in a 2-2 draw at fifth-bottom Crystal Palace.
Erling Haaland pulled City level during the first period after Daniel Munoz’s opener and Rico Lewis – who was sent off four minutes from time – spared the reigning champions a seventh defeat in nine games by replying to Maxence Lacroix’s second-half strike.
“Really good, I’m so proud and I like everything about my team”
Pep Guardiola reflects on Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace 🤝 pic.twitter.com/yC8VeDarve
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
“A season that starts hard will be hard all season,” said Guardiola, whose side have one win from nine games and are eight points behind Liverpool after having played a game more than the leaders.
“We have to survive; this is the season for survival, for trying to win points, for winning matches. What (the players) did in these circumstances is really, really good.
“We had seven potential starters injured, a lot of players with minutes and the physicality is there from Crystal Palace. But we were there and did everything to try to win. I’m really proud and happy for the players.”
“It’s not good enough” 😤
Bernardo Silva admits Manchester City’s injury problems but insists the team cannot wallow in self-pity and must keep fighting after a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace 💪 pic.twitter.com/bjGdSTagyV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
Palace vs Man City
England defender Kyle Walker appeared to bear the blame for both Palace goals, playing Munoz onside to slot in the first and allow Lacroix to head Will Hughes’ corner.
City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne started a second consecutive game after more than a season of fitness struggles, while Gundogan praised Haaland, Lewis, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, as well as Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
“Football is a game of mistakes and good things,” said Guardiola. “We scored two fantastic goals and every single team is stronger than us at the moment.
“I’m really pleased with a lot of the things I’ve seen. I’m so pleased for (Palace); Glasner does an amazing job. He is a top professional and a wonderful person.”
“I’m a little disappointed, I feel it could have been more” 😒
Oliver Glasner believes his Crystal Palace could have secured all three points against Manchester City 🦅 pic.twitter.com/S5yTupqQDO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
Haaland ‘always a threat’
Guardiola said City were “so lucky” to have Haaland, who joined Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the Premier League’s top scorer this season with his 13th goal of the season and his first in three league games.
“We are happy to have Rico, Bernardo, Gundo,” added Guardiola. “All these players play the whole season without rest. (Haaland’s) sense of goal threat is always present.
“The connection, the talent in the final third (from) Kevin is so special. We missed him a lot last season and this season.”
After scoring Man City’s equaliser, Rico Lewis is now sent off for a second yellow card after a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah!#CRYMCI pic.twitter.com/Xx5NROFnht
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 7, 2024
Man City injuries, suspensions
City were without defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake and midfielders Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovačić due to injuries.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is out for the season with a knee injury and Lewis will now serve a one-game suspension after seeing red for two yellow cards.
Ederson is Guardiola’s regular first-choice goalkeeper but the out-of-form Brazil international started a third consecutive game on the bench and Stefan Ortega was again preferred as City extended their wait for a clean sheet to nine games.
