Man City ‘must survive’, says Guardiola…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was happy with the points and said no Premier League team was weaker than his side after the visitors drew 2-2 at fifth-bottom Crystal Palace.

Erling Haaland headed City level in the first period after Daniel Munoz’s opener, and Rico Lewis – who was subbed off four minutes from time – saved the hosts a seventh victory in nine games in response to Maxence Lacroix’s second goal.

“Very good, I am proud, and I love everything from my team”

Pep Guardiola reflects on Manchester City’s 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace 🤝 pic.twitter.com/yC8VeDarve

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024

“A difficult start to the season will be difficult throughout the season,” said Guardiola, whose side have won nine games and are eight points behind Liverpool after playing more games than the leaders.

“We have to survive; it’s a season of survival, trying to get points, win games. What they (the players) have done in this situation is very good.

“We had seven players injured, many players with limited minutes and the body is there from Crystal Palace. But we were there and we did everything to win. I am proud and happy for the players.”

“It’s not good” 😤

Bernardo Silva has acknowledged Manchester City’s injury woes but insists the team cannot feel sorry for themselves and must keep fighting after their 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace 💪 pic.twitter.com/bjGdSTAgyV

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024

Palace vs Man City

England defender Kyle Walker looked to be at fault for both of Palace’s goals, playing Munoz wide to get in first and allowing Lacroix to settle for Will Hughes’ corner.

City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne started his second game in a row after a strong off-season, 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 very good goals and every team is stronger than us at the moment.

“I am very happy with many things that I saw. I am happy for (Palace); Glasner is doing an amazing job. He is a great professional and a lovely person. “

“I’m a little disappointed, I feel it could have been more” 😒

Oliver Glasner believes his Crystal Palace team could have secured all three points against Manchester City 🦅 pic.twitter.com/S5yTupqQDO

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024

Haaland is ‘always dangerous’

Guardiola said City were “lucky” to have Haaland, who joined Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the top scorer in the Premier League this season with his 13th goal in the top flight of the campaign and his first in three league games.

“We are lucky to have Rico, Bernardo, Gundo,” added Guardiola. “All these players have been playing all season without rest. (Haaland) the goal threat is always there.

“Combination, third end talent (from) Kevin is very special. We missed him a lot last season and this season.”

After scoring a goal for Man City, Rico Lewis has now been sent off for the second yellow card after Trevoh Chalobah!#CRYMCI pic.twitter.com/Xx5NROFnht

– Premier League (@premierleague) December 7, 2024

Man City injury, suspension

City were without defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake as well as midfielders Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic through injury.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is out this season with a knee injury and Lewis will now be suspended for one game, after seeing red for two yellow cards.

Ederson is Guardiola’s first-choice target, but the outfield Brazilian started his third game in a row on the bench, Stefan Ortega also favored as City extended their wait for a clean sheet to nine matches.