■Stats don’t make good reading
On Friday, Pep Guardiola flipped the statistic that Manchester City had won once in five Premier League games by pointing out they’d only lost one in 12. That is now one defeat in 13 after the Crystal Palace draw, which looks like a team in good form, but the reality is this was another lead thrown away and further ground lost in the title race.
It’s also one win in six in the league and three home league games without a win. The ‘machine’ Rodri said was starting up again has had another technical hitch.
The concerning stats go on. This was the eighth time in 10 Premier League games when City have conceded in the last 20 minutes, and the fourth time in six where they have dropped points from a winning position. They haven’t kept a league clean sheet in seven, with just five in the last 26 in all competitions. One defeat in 13 is fine, but in the league it’s four wins from 11.
City had 74 per cent possession vs Palace, 19 shots to five, and nine on target compared to two. It means little when the result is two more dropped points. Guardiola said the Luton turnaround showed the fight and steel he wants to see, but they regressed against Palace. The boss knows many of the same issues remain as his side sacrificed the control offered by a two-goal lead. Some stats can’t be hidden.
■First choice midfield emerges for Club World Cup
Esta historia es de la edición December 18, 2023 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 18, 2023 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
REDS ON THE BALL FOR UPCOMING CUP GAMES
BRITISH football brand Mitre, the official ball supplier of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women's FA Cup, has unveiled limited-edition winners' balls for the first time.
Untouchable no more... everyone now has a price
UNITED no longer regard any squad member as 'untouchable' as they prepare for yet another rebuild.
MAINOO 'WANTS TO STAY AT HIS BOYHOOD CLUB'
UNITED youngster Kobbie Mainoo wants to stay at his boyhood club after reports linking him with a transfer away.
Let's be Frank, United are told it's a no-go for target Mbeumo
UNITED have been sent a clear Bryan Mbeumo transfer message with a major opportunity on the horizon.
Klopp made late play to nab Sof from Erik's Reds
SOFYAN Amrabat could have made the move to rivals Liverpool over United in 2023 after his agent arranged a covert meeting with then-boss Jurgen Klopp.
Rash reality bites as wage and dip in form make striker difficult to move on
IF United thought that it would be easy to get Marcus Rashford off the books in January - or indeed in the summer - then they may well view things differently now.
How a chat with Pep defined City kid's career
IT'S an open conversation in the City academy that the end goal is almost impossible.
DUO SING PRAISES OF MANAGER'S 'INTENSITY'
LISANDRO Martinez has complimented Ruben Amorim for his 'intensity' and Rasmus Hojlund agrees that you can see the 'passion and fight' inside United's head coach.
AMAD'S NEW DEAL 'ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK'
UNITED could announce Amad's new contract by the end of this week. United head coach Ruben Amorim said on Friday the club is 'close' to finalising a renewal for Amad. Sources say there are no complications with the 22-year-old's new terms and that the club is preparing for the announcement.
Chef cooks his way on to award shortlist
A GREATER Manchester restaurant has been shortlisted for a prestigious food award.
