Manchester City’s 18-game Premier League winning run was ended by a goalless draw at Crystal Palace, who missed out on the chance to become the first team to beat them in the league this season when they had an injury-time penalty saved.
It was a disappointing display from Pep Guardiola’s side, but they still extended their lead at the top of the table to 14 points – the biggest gap between the leaders and the chasing pack at this stage of the season in top-flight history.
It could have been worse for City had goalkeeper Ederson not saved Luka Milivojevic’s spot-kick after substitute Raheem Sterling had fouled Wilfried Zaha in the box in the 92nd minute.
However it could still prove a costly afternoon for City with Gabriel Jesus leaving the field injured and in tears in the first half, and the league’s top assist-maker Kevin de Bruyne stretchered off after a heavy tackle from Jason Puncheon in the final minute.
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It leaves City with only one fit senior striker in Sergio Aguero who replaced Jesus at Selhurst Park.
While Chelsea and Manchester United trail City by some distance, they may see a small light at the end of the tunnel in a title race that appeared to be all but over before the turn of the year.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reiterated his belief his side will not go through the Premier League season unbeaten after their 18-game top-flight winning run was ended by a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
“I am not thinking to be unbeaten,” said Guardiola. “That is not going to happen.
“Maybe Arsene is worried about that but I tell him many times that 2004 run is for him. Today is completely different to 2004.
“There are now more strong teams, a lot of competitions, a lot of games.”
Guardiola left Selhurst Park with two injury concerns – striker Gabriel Jesus leaving the field in tears in the first half, and playmaker Kevin de Bruyne taken off on a stretcher after a heavy tackle from Jason Puncheon in the final minute.
It leaves City with only one fit senior striker in Sergio Aguero, who came on for Jesus.
