The Jærbuen headed in 1-1 after half an hour when he met a cross from Matheus Nunes. With that, Haaland reached 13 league goals, which is the same number as mohamed Salah at the top of the scoring list.
– What a cross, adn what a finish. Magnificent, exclaimed Viaplay’s commentator Roar Stokke.
But the match in London did not yield full returns for City. The reigning league champions have only won one of their last six games in the Premier League. The victory came in midweek against Nottingham Forest.
Sky Sports football expert Paul Merson believes that City is now out of the title race in the Premier League after Saturday’s draw.
– They are out of the title race, he says.
At the same time,he was very critical of how Manchester City played in the match against Crystal Palace.
Manchester City has been shocking.they have given away the ball far too much. I can’t believe what I’m seeing, Merson said during the match.
– Poor defending
A class attack brought City to 2-2 with half a game remaining. It was tight in front of goal, but Rico Lewis received a perfect pass and hammered the ball into the net.the goalscorer was sent off for two yellow cards.
Earlier in the half, maxence Lacroix had headed Palace into the lead. He did this from a corner taken by Will Hughes.
– He hangs over Kyle Walker. That is poor defending but dominant duel play by Lacroix, said Pål André Helland on Viaplay’s broadcast.
Manchester City has conceded a total of 21 goals in their last nine games across various competitions.
Showed signs of weakness
Also on Palace’s 1-0 goal after four minutes, Walker showed signs of weakness. He was caught off guard and kept the offside when Hughes found Daniel Muñoz, who scored from a tight angle with only the goalkeeper to beat.
the next task for Manchester City will be Wednesday’s away match against Juventus in the Champions League. Four days later, there is a city derby against Manchester United.
How can Manchester City adjust their tactics too improve defensively and regain form?
Interview with Football Analyst Jane Smith on Manchester City’s Recent Performance
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Jane. Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. Following Manchester City’s recent match against Crystal Palace, many pundits, including Paul Merson, have declared them out of the title race. Do you agree?
Jane Smith: Thanks for having me. It’s tough to argue against that point. With only one win in their last six Premier League games, it’s clear that something is amiss within the squad. They have a rich history of bouncing back,but their recent form suggests they are struggling at both ends of the pitch.
Time.news Editor: What do you think is the root cause of their struggles?
Jane Smith: There are several factors at play. Defensively, they’ve been vulnerable, as highlighted by conceding 21 goals in their last nine matches across all competitions. Players like Kyle Walker have shown signs of weakness that could be exploited by more clinical opponents. It’s no surprise that expert commentators have picked up on these issues. As an example, Lacroix’s goal for Crystal Palace was a result of poor defending, something that has become a theme for City lately.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the defensive issues. Can you elaborate on how that impacts the overall game plan for a team like Manchester City?
Jane Smith: Certainly. Manchester City is known for their attacking prowess. However, if they’re conceding goals frequently, they need to shift their approach, which disrupts the offensive rhythm. A match against Crystal palace, where they had to rely heavily on their attacking transitions, might indicate coaching challenges in adjusting tactics during a game. The reliance on building from the back often exposes them in this state.
Time.news Editor: It seems like the pressure is mounting, especially with key fixtures approaching. How do you see their upcoming game against Juventus influencing their season?
Jane Smith: That match is crucial. Competing in the Champions League can act as both a relief and a source of additional pressure. If they can muster a positive performance against Juventus, it could serve as a catalyst for their domestic form. Conversely, a poor performance could further demoralize the team, especially with a derby against Manchester United looming afterward.
time.news Editor: Given City’s current trajectory, what practical advice would you give to fans and analysts alike regarding their expectations for the remainder of the season?
Jane Smith: Fans shoudl brace themselves for inconsistency in the short term. While there’s still a lot of football to be played, expecting to see City at their best may be unrealistic right now. analysts should focus on individual performances and tactical adjustments rather than solely the win-loss record. Observing how the coaching staff responds during the crucial upcoming matches will be key to understanding the future direction of the team.
Time.news Editor: thank you, Jane, for your insights. It’s certainly an intriguing time for Manchester City and Premier League action.
Jane Smith: My pleasure! Let’s see how the season unfolds.Hopefully, we’ll see some exciting football ahead.