MANCHESTER CITY only have themselves to blame after dropping another two points in the race for the Premier League title.
Rampant Liverpool had already closed the gap to three points with a game in hand going into Monday night’s clash at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool’s destiny was already in their own hands with Jurgen Klopp’s side travelling to the Etihad to take on City in a likely title showdown next month.
But Pep Guardiola and Co just handed the Reds another major boost after missing chance after chance to snatch a win in South London.
City dominated the game from start to finish, boasting 74 per cent possession.
The visitors had 18 shots on goal to Palace’s seven.
Despite that, the reigning Prem champions will trudge back to Manchester knowing they’ve lost ground in the race to defend their crown.
A host of City stars will wonder what might have been on the journey north after spurning golden opportunities to score.
In the 27th minute, Joao Cancelo thumped the post from long range, with Aymeric Laporte lumping the rebound over the bar with an open goal gaping in front of him.
Shortly before the hour mark, Kevin de Bruyne’s teasing shot smacked into the base of the post with Riyad Mahrez unable to lash home the follow-up, denied by Vicente Guaita.
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And with just 20 minutes to play, Bernardo Silva somehow failed to connect with Jack Grealish’s tempting low cross with the goal at his mercy.
As it was, Palace held on to a draw and even had half-chances to nick a win themselves.
And Eagles boss Patrick Vieira admitted his side rode their luck after the game.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder told BBC Sport: “When you play against City you have to concede chances.
“It’s all about having your luck on the day but also putting in a shift as a team.
“We did that today. We fought for the luck and we got a point.”
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But a disgruntled Guardiola claimed ‘luck doesn’t exist in football’ after his side dropped two points.
The City chief said: “Luck doesn’t exist in football.
“We have to score goals and we didn’t do it.
“We didn’t score, that was the mistake.”
The Palace have now taken four points from a possible six in their two games against City this season having won 2-0 at the Etihad earlier in the campaign.
Should Liverpool pip their rivals to the title, they may just have the Eagles to thank for it.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
