In their last match against Manchester City, Crystal Palace managed to draw the game, thanks in part to Rico Lewis of Man City getting a red card. Although the events played out in rather unfortunate circumstances, City who were the defending champions, also finally dropped points for the first time in the Premier League last season as this match took place at Selhurst Park.
Starting phase: Strong Start For Manchester City
As per their usual strategy, Manchester City began holding the majority of possession from the get go. With Rodri’s and Kevin De Bruyne’s efforts inside the middle, the entire team looked poised and dominant. At first though, Erling Haaland was the centerpiece of their plans as he attempted multiple long range shots. But Vicente Guaita was able to save them all and Palace as a whole stayed strong until that point.
Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace took a more defensive approach and focused on counter attacking instead, which proved to be effective for the time being. With Zaha and Ayew’s creativity and speed, they were a tough force to play against. But an impressive defending display from Aké and Stones made sure they contained Zaha and Ayew during the first half.
In the 22nd minute, Riyad Mahrez assisted Haaland with a powerful volley that helped City take the lead.
The striker was able to outmaneuver two of Palace’s defenders and with ease, scooted the ball over Guaita completing the one nil lead in the favor of City. The goal was applicable for Haaland as he had no difficulty in tucking it away and this enabled City to assume good positions from the very start.
Palace aimed to counter attack swiftly as Eberechi Eze and Zaha teamed up to create a few half chances. However, through all of their attempts, the home side found it difficult to break through City’s strong structure as Ederson had little involvement during the first half of the match.
Second Half: Critical moments after Rico Lewis receives double yellow cards
As the second half started, Crystal palace were looking far more aggressive as they wanted to sit further up the pitch in attempts to break City’s rhythm. The Selhurst Park was abuzz with audience backing their team and Palace were looking far more aggressive than before.
In the 60th minute, the context of the match altered instantly as Manchester City suffered a set back when teenager Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card. After receiving a yellow card for heavy tackling, Lewis went ahead to tackle Jeffrey Schlupp and was shown another yellow card. The match now looked to have ten men from the side of the city and great excitement loomed around the match.
With an increase in their player count, Crystal Palace were quick to increase their aggression on the pitch.
Little by little, they started to dominate the game in such a manner that required City to be on their defensive back foot. Hodgson’s team made use of their number advantage, and in the 72nd minute during a free kick, Eze, the Palace forward, kicked the ball inside the box which was later tapped by Marc Guéhi. The centre back out-jumped Ederson to head the ball into the net scoring equalizer as the scoreboard turned 1-1.
With the goal, the fanatics of the home supporting team were thrilled and clearly the winds has changed towards Palace’s side. Leaving City with 10 players only and fighting for rime to the achieve cut rushing the wing to achieve a control in ball possession was a uphill repairing task even being a loss.
Final charge and failed attempts at opportunities.
Even a player short, City of Manchester still pushed, refusing to give in. They continued working, with De Bruyne and Mahrez trying to help secure the win leaving them with Landry carrying out persevering efforts. Yet at all times, Pursuing a winning goal was met by Guaita, who came on at the basket.\
As the team began to step forward into the final minutes searching for goals, Haaland was assisted by Jack Grealish in the 80th minute although the team had a faint chance of taking the lead home A shot was why Guaita was very effective gusting panes playing one of the strongest roles to even mark entrance of the goal.
Though City were left defending in the closing minutes with a lesser number of people standing trying to give people enough arsenal. Attempts by the team to win in the last few phases were also blocked by Palace trying its move during the minute.
The match ended in a tense draw, with both sides settling for a 1-1 result, a result which meant that Manchester City dropped two points in what could have been a chance to extend their lead on top of the table.
Important Things to Note:
The match turned on its head as in the 1991, Rico Lewis was shown a red card for his reckless tackles, and was consequently sent off. Sensing the change in numbers on the pitch to their advantage, Palace immediately took action as City had been deprived of a player.
Haaland’s Goal: After coming on for the second half Haaland was once again able to take control over the match when he scored the only goal for his side in the half which brought the score to 1-2. Nevertheless, his goal scoring could have been better when they were a man down, largely due to his mobility and skilful finishing.
Palace’s Resilience: Even when Palace were a goal and a half down, they never gave up, and fought till the end, major reason and survivors in settling the game for a draw where Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi who put in tremendous performance in the second half.
Goalkeeping Excellence: As the match moved on, Ederson and Vicente Guaita showcased their brilliant skills outstandingly, as they were able to pull off some jaw dropping saves allowing them to keep their team in the game.
City’s Missed Opportunities: Quaita’s incredible shot saving throughout the match allowed them not to go far from winning, as City was able to find openings for opportunities to regain their one point troughed them choking on easy goals.
Conclusion:
The 1-1 draw was a debatable result for both teams.
Continuing from the match, Crystal Palace is ringing in the success of a well fought draw but will Manchester City be equally as satisfied given the position in which they were in when the match began with – a red card to sina? Surely not, and so this will equally be a disappointing outcome when on paper they seem to have such initial strong advantages. Both teams will be looking forward to their next matches to keep the pressure at the top of the Premier League standings.
If you are interested for more: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City LIVE: Outcome and final score as champions are restrained following Rico Lewis’s red card. James Tooley, Vice Chancellor of a UK University, has been suspended due to allegations of an affair with a woman from Hyderabad.