Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said he was happy with a point and claimed no team in the Premier League is currently weaker than his team at set-pieces after the visitors equalized twice in a 2-2 draw with fifth-placed Crystal Palace.
Erling Haaland scored City's equalizer during the first half after Daniel Munoz's opener, and Rico Luis – who was sent off four minutes from time – saved the defending champions from a seventh defeat in nine games by responding to Maxence Lacroix's second-half goal.
“Really good, I'm very proud, and I love everything about my team.”
Pep Guardiola talks about Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace 🤝 pic.twitter.com/yC8VeDarve
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
Guardiola, whose team achieved one win in nine matches and is eight points behind Liverpool after playing a game more than the leaders, said: “The season that begins difficult will be difficult throughout the season.”
“We have to survive; it's a season of survival and trying to pick up points and win games. What (the players) did in these circumstances is really good.
“We had seven key players injured, several players on minutes, and the fitness is there from Crystal Palace. But we were there and we did everything to try to win. I am very proud and happy for the players.”
“It's not good enough” 😤
Bernardo Silva admits injury problems at Manchester City but insists the team cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves and must keep fighting after their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace 💪 pic.twitter.com/bjGdSTagyV
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
Palace vs Man City
England defender Kyle Walker appeared to take the blame for both Palace goals, with Munoz playing alongside to score the first goal and Lacroix allowing a header into Will Hughes' corner.
City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne started the second match in a row 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,” Guardiola said. “We scored two great goals and every team is stronger than us now from set-pieces.
“I'm really happy with a lot of the things I've seen. I'm very happy with (the mansion); Glassner does a great job. He's very professional and a lovely person.”
“I'm a bit disappointed, I feel like it could have been more than that.” 😒
Oliver Glasner believes his team, Crystal Palace, could have got the three points against Manchester City 🦅 pic.twitter.com/S5yTupqQDO
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
Haaland “is a constant threat”
Guardiola said that City is “very lucky” to have Haaland, who joined Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as the Premier League's top scorers this season with his 13th league goal this season and his first in three league matches.
“We are lucky to have Rico, Bernardo and Jondo,” Guardiola added. “All these players have played all this season without rest. (Haaland's) sense of goal threat is always there.
“The communication and talent in the final third (from) Kevin is very special. We missed him so much last season and this season.”
After scoring an equalizer for Manchester City, Rico Luis has now been sent off for a second yellow card for a challenge on Trevo Chalupa!#CRYMCI pic.twitter.com/Xx5NROFnht
— English Premier League (@premierleague) December 7, 2024
Man City injuries and suspensions
City played without defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake, and midfielders Phil Foden, Oscar Pope and Mateo Kovacic due to injuries.
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will miss the season with a knee injury and Luis will now serve a one-match ban, having been shown a red card for two yellow cards.
Ederson is Guardiola's usual first-choice keeper, but the out-of-form Brazil international started a third successive game on the bench, with Stefan Ortega once again favored as City extended their wait for a clean sheet to nine matches.
