Manchester City did not prepare in the best way for the Club World Cup. The European champions, who will face the Japanese of Urawa Red Diamonds in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, conceded a draw at home against Crystal Palace (2-2), this Saturday, as part of the 17th day of Premier League. A result which confirms their bad run in the Premier League, since they have won only one of their last six Championship matches (4 draws, 1 defeat).
The Citizens only have themselves to blame, because they ultra-dominated this match against Palace, with 74% possession, with 19 shots (including 9 on target), compared to only 9 for their opponents, who scored on their only two shots on target. City often gave the impression of playing too easy, missing easy opportunities, like Josko Gvardiol, who shot at Dean Henderson, the London goalkeeper, while he was alone in front of him (29th).
Sufficient Mancunians
But above all, Pep Guardiola’s players gave the impression of having stopped playing once they were leading 2-0, thanks to Jack Grealish, who converted a sublime pass from Phil Foden in the area (1-0 , 24th) before initiating an action which will be concluded with almost half a volley by Rico Lewis (2-0, 54th). But then the Mancuniens showed complacency and let Palace, who had been completely harmless until then, come back into the match.
The Frenchman Jean-Philippe Mateta took advantage of a good cross from Jeffrey Schlupp to reduce the score (2-1, 76th), before causing a foul from Foden in his area, and therefore a penalty converted in added time by Michael Olise (2-2, 90+5th). Following this disappointing draw, City remain fourth and could be six points ahead of leader Liverpool if they win this Sunday at Anfield against Manchester United.
Newcastle and Chelsea reassure each other
While waiting for this shock, the Red Devils were overtaken in the standings by Newcastle, winner at home this Saturday against Fulham with a score of 3-0. In a meeting marked by the early expulsion of the Londoner Raul, following a crazy gesture on Sean Longstaff (22nd), the Magpies, who remained on two defeats in a row in the Premier League, won thanks to two breakthroughs by Bruno Guimaraes then Anthony Gordon, at the heart of the Fulham defense, which were concluded respectively by Lewis Miley (1-0, 57th) and Miguel Almiron (2-0, 64th). Dan Burn closed the scoring by taking a wonderful cross from outside by Guimaraes (3-0, 82nd).
At the same time, Chelsea, who had also suffered two defeats in the Championship, won at home against Sheffield United. This success owes a lot to the strong man of the Blues, Cole Palmer, who converted a Raheem Sterling offering in the area (1-0, 54th), before delivering a caviar for Nicolas Jackson (2-0, 61st). Thanks to this result, Chelsea temporarily moved from 12th to 10th place in the Championship. Finally, note that the last meeting of the afternoon, Bournemouth – Luton, was interrupted due to the discomfort of Tom Lockyer, the captain of the Hatters.
2023-12-17 08:19:49
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