Manchester City missed the chance to go six points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table after being held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
It was a first half in which City started somewhat sluggishly, with Palace looking the more dangerous in the opening 20 minutes. Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise went close with strikes early on, while Jean-Philippe Mateta also had two efforts on the break in that first quarter of the game.
But from there, City began to assert their dominance as Kevin De Bruyne started to see more of the ball. The Belgian forced a smart reflex save after wonderfully diverting a lob over his shoulder on target, while Guaita had no answer to a Joao Cancelo drive from range that hit the post – and the lightning-bolt rebound was sent over by Aymeric Laporte.
The second period saw more of the same as City’s pressure intensified, De Bruyne hitting the post after more inch-perfect build-up play. Guaita was then alive to Riyad Mahrez’s stinging reply.
Silva fluffed his lines from an even better position on 70 minutes, after Jack Grealish broke in down the right channel and put the ball on the plate for his teammate, who failed to make a telling connection from two yards out.
The final big chance fell to Laporte, as a free-kick from the superb De Bruyne picked out the defender on the brink of stoppage-time, but he too produced a weak effort which was easy for Guaita to grab.
Manchester City player ratings
Ederson- 7
As usual, wasn’t overly involved in the game but did what was needed when called upon to maintain the all-important clean sheet. Palace produced just one shot on target, which he saved well from Zaha.
Kyle Walker- 6
Worrying error in first half, but gave Zaha little encouragement until he moved inside. Didn’t offer as much offensively as City fans often see, but the England international was defensively assured, in the main.
John Stones- 7
Probably wouldn’t have played if Dias was fit, but he was City’s best defender. Didn’t have much defending to deal with and was comfortable in possession. Stones had a good shot from distance in the first half.
Aymeric Laporte- 5
Had a few awkward touches at the back, one which allowed Palace in to attack and resulted in a goal-bound strike but was excellent in second half.
Joao Cancelo- 7
Didn’t look as nervy as his defensive counterparts and provided options going forward too. Came so close to opening the scoring with a great strike in the first half which hit the post, but his influence waned as the game continued.
Rodri- 6
Had a firm grip on midfield but could do nothing with it – lacked creativity and inspiration. Played slightly further forward than usual, so deep did Palace sit. The midfielder kept the ball ticking over and rarely misplaced a pass. But Rodri did lose his cool on a few occasions in the latter stages.
Kevin De Bruyne- 8
City’s best player at Selhurst Park and he created several chances with his through passes. De Bruyne also Went very close of a few occasions but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Brought plenty of energy and forward runs with the ball, but failed to create enough chances after the break. The No.20 missed City’s most clear-cut chance of the night when he failed to get enough of a touch on Grealish’s cross.
Riyad Mahrez- 7
The switch out right was on all night and the winger’s first touches were often sublime, while he cut inside and caused Palace issues. The Algerian was better in the first half and his levels dipped a little after the break.
Phil Foden- 5
Had a quiet night and struggled to force his way into the game up against Palace’s packed middle. Foden did try to come deep, but he didn’t create many shooting opportunities.
Jack Grealish- 7
Not quite as effective as he was in the Manchester derby, but the attacker continued his recent improvement. Grealish was again assertive and positive on the ball.
SubsNot used: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Sterling, Gundogan, Jesus, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Mbete
- “I’d take him to Manchester City” – Rodri says he’d sign player ‘without a doubt’
- Amorim honeymoon over at Arsenal as Man City in crisis plus and Ollie Watkins gifted Brentford: Big Midweek
- “We Know That…” – Charles Watts Claims City Are Still More Likely To Sign £54M Rated Midfielder Than Arsenal
- Erling Haaland has a 13-word message for Man City fans after seven games without a win
- Man City fans are all convinced Jack Grealish would be unreal in a completely new position
- Gary Neville instantly makes Pep Guardiola dig after Man City draw Salford City in FA Cup third-round
- Paul Merson slams decision Pep Guardiola made against Liverpool that saw Man City star look ‘lost’
- Gary Neville chimes in on the ‘bizarre’ Kevin De Bruyne situation at Man City
- Phil Foden breaks silence with 28-word message after Man City’s defeat to Liverpool amid poor form
- Pep Guardiola reveals where Jack Grealish could play as he eyes position change after Liverpool vs Man City
