"Give him a payrise", "Only thing standing between this club and relegation" - Fans hail Manchester City star after 2-2 Crystal Palace draw

Fans on X have lauded Ruben Dias following Manchester City's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, December 7. The center-back was solid in defense despite City's defensive inconsistency during the game.

Daniel Munoz opened the scoring four minutes into the game after receiving a brilliant pass from Will Hughes. In the 30th minute, Erling Haaland planted his header into the back of the net after receiving a cross from Matheus Nunes.

Despite both team's quest to secure a lead before the break, the first half ended 1-1. In the 56th minute, Maxence Lacroix gave Palace the lead for the second time in the game.

This made City push for an equalizer. Rico Lewis gave City a well-deserved equalizer in the 68th minute after receiving a pass from Bernardo Silva. In the 84th minute, Lewis was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the game. Lewis' red card increased Crystal Palace's push for a winner, but the game ended 2-2.

In the aftermath of the game, several fans on X were impressed with Dias' performance. One fan wrote:

"Give dias a payrise & sell the rest.”

"Ruben Dias is the only defender that actually cares,” a fan added.

"We as a fanbase dont give ruben dias the appreciation he deserves,” a fan opined.

"Ruben Dias is the only thing standing between this club and relegation,” another fan opined.

"Shoutout to Dias for single handedly keeping us in this game,” wrote another.

One netizen complained about Manchester City's defense, writing:

"Ruben Dias single handedly saving City, this defense REEKS.”

Dias blocked four shots, made three clearances, and had a pass completion rate of 94%. The Portuguese defender played for 90 minutes and registered 123 touches during the game.

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Manchester City interested in signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli - Reports

Torino v Napoli - Serie A - 2024-25 - Source: Getty

Manchester City are interested in signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, according to a report by Fichajes.net. The report also stated that City have contacted the player's entourage as they look to table a bid for Kvaratskhelia in January 2025.

In recent years, Kvaratskhelia has been impressive on the left wing for Napoli. He played a crucial role in Napoli's triumph as the Scudetto winners in the 2022-23 Serie A season. This season, he has scored five goals and registered three assists in 16 appearances.

Pep Guardiola could be looking to sign Kvaratskhelia to enhance the level of creativity in City's attack. If signed, his attacking intuition could transform Manchester City's attack.

If signed, the 23-year-old’s attacking creativity could also be beneficial for Erling Haaland. As per the aforementioned report, his transfer fee could be in the region of £83 million with the player being contracted at Napoli till June 2027.