Manchester Football

A website about football in Manchester

Manchester City’s winning run comes to an end at Crystal Palace as Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne are stretchered off

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CRYSTAL PALACE 0, MANCHESTER CITY 0

There was late drama at Selhurst Park as Luka Milivojevic’s injury time penalty was saved by Ederson in one of the most eventful goalless matches at Crystal Palace as Manchester City’s 18 game winning run came to an end in South London.

Unlike many teams coming up against City, Crystal Palace had a real go and made a game of it at Selhurst Park but City, who lost Gabriel Jesus to a serious looking knee injury early on and Kevin De Bruyne in injury time, could not find a way past their hosts who – in contrast with other teams facing City recently – played a full part in an absorbing game against Pep Guardiola’s team in the first half.

City had hit the woodwork through Sergio Aguero and were denied by last ditch defending and Wayne Hennessey saves while Palace could have snatched a late goal from eight yards in the second half before the injury time drama.

City ended the year on 59 points having dropped their first Premier League points on the road this season, 14 ahead of nearest rivals Chelsea, but will worry about the fitness of Jesus and De Bruyne with a full set of January fixtures ahead.

Fans vent their frustration as Manchester United are held at home by Southampton

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MAN UNITED 0, SOUTHAMPTON 0

The reaction of Manchester United’s fans summed up another frustrating performance as they were held at home by Southampton.

There were boos and jeers at both half and full time as United slipped from second to third place and 14 points behind Manchester City who can tomorrow extend their lead to 17 if they win at Crystal Palace.

This was United’s third successive draw after being held by Leicester and Burnley as they have hit a worrying dip in form.

Whereas not long ago they were well clear in second spot, suddenly a top-four place is under threat.

Raheem Sterling strike keeps Man City’s winning streak going at Newcastle United

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NEWCASTLE UNITED 0, MANCHESTER CITY 1

Raheem Sterling’s goal ensured Manchester City earned their 18th straight Premier League win of a remarkable season at St James’ Park against a stubborn Newcastle United who refused to attack their guests until it was too late and twice came close to snatching a point.

Despite playing within themselves, City are now a staggering 15 points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester United with another round of fixtures to play before the end of 2017.

Pragmatic Rafa Benitez, the Magpies boss, played a weakened team, with more important relegation six pointers coming up against Brighton and Stoke City, while City boss Pep Guardiola shuffled his pack too following the 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

Guardiola benched Leroy Sane, and gave Fabian Delph the night off, while David Silva was also excused for family reasons once again. In came Bernardo Silva, Danilo, and Ilkay Gundogan but Guardiola had to make changes again after just 11 minutes after injury-prone captain Vincent Kompany had to go off yet again.