Man City Draws Against Palace After Losing 2-0 Lead at Etihad

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Manchester City’s struggles continue as a late Crystal Palace penalty from Michael Olise forces a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite dominating the game and securing a 2-0 lead with goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis, City faced a setback as Palace pulled one back through Jean-Philippe Mateta and later earned a penalty in stoppage time.

The draw extends City’s winless streak at home in the Premier League since their 4th November victory over Bournemouth.

As they head to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side reflects on an uncharacteristic barren stretch.

As Manchester City sought openings in the densely packed Palace defense, a delicately chipped cross from Kyle Walker nearly provided Julian Alvarez with an early goal, but goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s quick reactions tipped the header to safety.

City persisted, with Ruben Dias and Rodri narrowly missing the target. Midway through the first half, persistence paid off as Foden threaded a ball through the Palace defense to Grealish, who calmly finished. Despite a lengthy VAR check, officials confirmed that Nathaniel Clyne’s position did not impede the City winger, keeping the goal valid.

Henderson remained vigilant, thwarting City’s attempt to quickly double the lead when Josko Gvardiol charged forward from left-back. Palace’s Mateta, previously isolated up front, almost capitalized on a potential flashpoint just before half-time, racing past Ederson and being fouled by the City goalkeeper, who received a yellow card.

Alvarez thought he had secured City’s second early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. However, Lewis soon found the net, benefitting from a well-placed ball near the goal.

Henderson, making his first Premier League appearance since January, made a crucial save at the hour mark, tipping Bernardo Silva’s powerful shot wide.

Palace unexpectedly pulled a goal back as Guehi’s long punt found Schlupp, who delivered a cross for Mateta to convert, capitalizing on a lack of pressure from City. Calamity struck for the champions when Foden, typically proficient on the ball, inadvertently fouled Mateta, leading to Olise calmly slotting the ball past Ederson for the equalizer.

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