City lose grip on BPL title defence

Crystal Palace all but ended any faint Barclays Premier League (BPL) title hopes of Manchester City after beating the champions 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.

Glenn Murray gave the hosts the lead in the 34th minute though there was a suspicion of offside when he tapped home the rebound after Joe Hart saved Scott Dann’s effort.

Jason Puncheon’s free-kick three minutes after half-time extended the lead and though City hit back with a Yaya Toure strike, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

The hosts were close to taking the lead just a minute into the game; Martin Kelly crossing the ball to the back post that Puncheon miskicked and Wilfried Zaha shot wide from close range.

The champions controlled the game afterwards and nearly opened scoring after 15 minutes when Sergio Aguero rounded Julian Speroni before passing to David Silva. But the keeper got back to make a timely save with his shoulder.

The visitors continued their dominant spell. Fernandinho fired wide from just outside the box and Aguero hit the post with Speroni well beaten.

Palace then struck from a counter attack after they repelled further efforts from Silva and Aguero.

Joe Ledley sent the ball into the opponent box which found Scott Dann who was on hand to lash towards goal. Hart saved the initial effort, but Murray tapped in the rebound.

The second half began just as poorly for City as the first half ended, as Puncheon doubled Palace’s lead with a curling free kick from 25 yards out.

City continued their dominance of possession but failed to create anything with it, until the 71st minute. Fernandinho saw his shot deflected by Yannick Bolasie, but the ball remained goalbound before Murray seemed to intentionally knock it down with a raised hand.

No penalty given.

The breakthrough finally came for City from a Toure’s thunderous strike from the edge of the penalty area.

The hosts then held on for a famous win.

City are now closer to fifth-placed Liverpool than league leaders Chelsea – who also have a game in hand.