Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that his team cannot use ‘bad luck’ as an excuse for the two points dropped against Crystal Palace. Despite dominating play at Etihad, City conceded two goals in the latter stages of the game, including a 95th-minute penalty earned by Phil Foden. This is not the first time City has sacrificed leads towards the end of matches as they have done so against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham in the recent past. The 2-2 draw with Palace places City fourth in the Premier League table, having only won one of their last six games. Guardiola asserted that the result was not due to bad luck, but rather the team’s failure to hold on to the lead. When a penalty is given away, it is well-deserved, said Guardiola.
According to Pep Guardiola, Manchester City deserved to secure a draw with Crystal Palace, despite having a significantly higher possession rate and nearly four times as many shots.
Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to close out games after their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, City conceded two goals, including a stoppage-time penalty, which cost them the win. Guardiola emphasized the need for patience and caution in the 18-yard box, especially in games like these. He acknowledged the team’s efforts but admitted that they did not deserve to win after conceding twice. Guardiola called on his players to accept the result and work towards improving their performance.
In the past, City has let in some last-minute goals that led to equalisers against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
Guardiola has cautioned City about their behavior following the penalty incident, as they have mastered the more intricate aspects of game management. Despite having won every league match at home this season until their triumph over Bournemouth on November 4, City is still seeking their first league victory at the Etihad. Late goals have been a problem for the current Treble champions, as seen in their eventful visit to Chelsea, which could have ended 4-3 if not for Cole Palmer’s 95th-minute penalty in mid-November. Everything appeared to be going well against Liverpool until Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning goal in the 80th minute. In early December, there was also the Spurs match, in which Dejan Kulusevski’s 90th-minute strike salvaged a point for Ange Postecoglou’s men.
