■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
This story is from the December 18, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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This story is from the December 18, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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