Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester City: 5 talking points

#3 Crystal Palace spurn gilt-edged chances that would have seen them win

Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Premier League

Selhurst Park delivered an atmosphere more than worthy of being called the 12th man, backing their players to the hilt; their men on the pitch delivered.

The visitors’ defence and midfield looked far from uncomfortable when Palace went forward, primarily through Zaha, whose every move was cheered on wildly. Indeed, his lung-bursting runs have more often than not yielded favourable results for the Eagles in the recent past.

Andros Townsend and Luka Milivojevic will be the most disappointed men for the home side though. Townsend shot straight at the City defence when Zaha found him at the edge of the box early on and somehow managed to sky his shot into the stands when presented with an almost open goal.

Milivojevic then went on miss a crucial penalty – albeit a soft one – gifted by Sterling and earned by Zaha’s wily run. The Serbian’s shot from six yards was eerily similar to the one Benteke missed vs. Bournemouth, aimed down the centre straight at Ederson.

Given City’s form, run and style, they were never going to present Palace with too many chances. What would have been infuriating for Hodgson and the Eagles faithful was the players not making the most of their best opportunities.