MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Crystal Palace “did not have to do much” to earn a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Palace scored twice from just three shots on target while City peppered the visitors’ goal with 25 efforts.
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Fernandinho‘s own goal in the last minute meant City had to settle for a point despite Sergio Aguero‘s late double cancelling out Cenk Tosun‘s opener in the first half.
“I think we did everything,” said Guardiola.
“They defend so deep, we knew it. They didn’t do much but they have one point.
“We knew it. When they beat us here last season, it was the same. Maybe at home at Selhurst Park they have to impose more. The second goal is a mistake and we have to avoid it. It is just not possible that [Wilfried] Zaha can run and we allow it.”
Victory for City would have closed the gap with leaders Liverpool to 11 points ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on Sunday.
But they missed the chance to put pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side, who could now end the weekend 16 points clear with a game in hand.
The gap is already so big that Guardiola has taken to writing off City’s chances. And after dropping more points on Saturday, he refused to answer any questions about the title race.
“I answer the question millions of times already,” said Guardiola.