Manchester City’s failure to secure a victory and the subsequent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace is primarily attributed to their own mistakes, with Rico Lewis asserting that the team has no one else to blame. Despite Jack Grealish and Lewis providing a two-goal lead, Crystal Palace managed to make a comeback through Jean-Phillippe Mateta’s penalty on the 76th minute and Michael Olise’s 95th-minute spot kick.
The defensive vulnerabilities of Manchester City are evident as they have conceded 12 goals in their last six games, raising concerns about their ability to maintain solidity at the back.
The draw against Crystal Palace also marks the first time since 2016 that City has failed to secure a win in three consecutive Premier League home games. This worrisome trend places them in the fourth position in the rankings, and there’s apprehension about falling further behind in the title race, especially with the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia on the horizon.
Rico Lewis emphasizes the need for introspection within the team, urging players to scrutinize individual decisions and evaluate collective performance.
The sentiment is clear – City cannot deflect blame onto external factors; they must take responsibility for their own shortcomings. Lewis acknowledges that, despite Crystal Palace having only 25% possession, Mateta’s impact and his ability to draw a foul from Phil Foden resulting in the penalty highlight defensive lapses that City must rectify.
Looking at the penalty decision, Lewis reiterates that there are no complaints and accepts it as a valid call by the referee. He emphasizes that the responsibility lies squarely with the team, acknowledging that they can only fault themselves.
The recent performance statistics of Manchester City are a cause for concern, having won only one of their last six Premier League games and four of their last 11 overall. The upcoming league fixture against Everton at Goodison Park on December 22 presents an opportunity for City to address these issues and get back to winning ways.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s draw against Crystal Palace is a result of their own mistakes, prompting the need for self-reflection and corrective measures.
The defensive frailties and a lack of wins at home are challenges that City must overcome to stay competitive in the Premier League title race. The impending Club World Cup adds urgency to finding solutions and returning to a winning trajectory.
