We deserved to drop points — Pep Guardiola refuses to defend players after Palace draw

We deserved to drop points — Pep Guardiola refuses to defend players after Palace draw

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 19:50 - 16.12.2023

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said his team deserved to drop points after the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.

Manchester City suffered an inexplicable collapse against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, after going 2-0 up and cruising.

Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis had given City what looked like an insurmountable lead before late second-half goals from Mateta and Michael Olise gave the visitors a share of the spoils.

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This draw now means City have won just once in their last 6 league games — the first time it has happened under Guardiola.

Guardiola on City's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace

Speaking after the game, the City boss said: 

"For some reason, we're not able to win games at the moment.

"It's not bad luck, it's deserved. We give away two points. You give away this penalty at the end, then you deserve it"

City will now head off to the Club World Cup, a competition they are heavy favourites to win for the first time.

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