EPL 2017/18 Manchester City 5-0 Crystal Palace: 5 talking points

#2 Ruben Loftus-Cheek: the only creative spark

Loftus-Cheek was a live wire in attack for Palace

Instead of sitting back and inviting pressure onto themselves, Crystal Palace decided to take the game to Manchester City at their own ground. It’s clear that Pep Guardiola didn’t expect such an approach so it was no surprise that City looked open every time Palace counter-attacked in the 1st half.

Their engine for such an approach was provided by Ruben Loftus-Cheek who acted as Hodgson’s driving force through the middle. Every time he decided to run with the ball, men ran off him, City defenders scarpered and things happened.

The 21-year old completed 3 dribbles, created 1 chance, had 2 shots on goal and maintained an 83% pass accuracy, despite playing in an attacking position. The Englishman has a bright future ahead of him if he can just keep his head up when in transition.