Manchester City’s faltering title defense faced another setback, with Michael Olise’s 95th-minute penalty securing a dramatic point for Crystal Palace.
City held a 2-0 lead with goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis, seemingly on track for victory until Jean-Philippe Mateta narrowed the gap with a goal 14 minutes from time.
The drama intensified in stoppage time when Phil Foden fouled Mateta during a clearance attempt, leading referee Paul Tierney to award a penalty. Michael Olise calmly converted past Ederson, prompting jubilant celebrations among the away fans who witnessed their team’s comeback.
The draw, marking City’s third consecutive home draw, positions the defending champions in fourth place, trailing leaders Liverpool by three points.
Although Crystal Palace has won just one of their last 10 games, this result, following a last-minute defeat to Liverpool last week, felt like a victory for Roy Hodgson’s team, evident in their spirited celebration.
Man City fail to finish off opponents again
City has now secured just one victory in their last six league games and faces the risk of falling further behind next week during their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Once again, their failure to capitalize on opportunities cost them dearly, even as they led 2-0 in what seemed to be a commanding position.
Pep Guardiola’s team dominated much of the game, patiently seeking openings in Palace’s well-organized defense. The breakthrough occurred when Foden created space on the edge of the area, allowing Grealish to score. Despite a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for offside, the goal was eventually confirmed.
Shortly after, Josko Gvardiol had an opportunity to secure an immediate second goal but was thwarted by Dean Henderson after a clear run. City’s frustration continued in the second half when a goal was disallowed for Rodri’s offside following Julian Alvarez’s free-kick, which flew directly in.
Although their second goal arrived soon after, courtesy of Foden and Grealish setting up Lewis, even that advantage proved insufficient to prevent Palace’s unexpected comeback.
From agony to elation for Palace
Last week’s experience for Palace acquainted them with the anguish of conceding a crucial late goal, but this time, their emotions were filled with elation.
Despite missing most of their regular frontline due to injuries, the Eagles had shown little attacking threat for much of the match. However, they issued a warning of their resilience when Gvardiol’s slip allowed Mateta to break free just before half-time.
Ederson rushed from his goal, causing the French striker to tumble. Fortunately for Ederson, he escaped with a booking and only conceded a free-kick, narrowly missed by Olise.
Throughout the second half, Palace maintained a deep defensive stance and relied on counter-attacks. They seemed unlikely to score until Jeffrey Schlupp broke down the left, finding Mateta in the center to slide in and narrow the deficit.
Suddenly, the Eagles were back in the game, and with City showing signs of panic, the visitors seized the opportunity in stoppage time.
Foden, responsible for the initial giveaway, attempted a reckless swing in the corner of his penalty area, inadvertently making contact with Mateta. The latter was on the field due to Odsonne Edouard’s injury.
Maintaining composure, Olise confidently took the penalty, deceiving Ederson with a well-placed shot and securing a crucial point for his side.
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