Olise is just
PEP PAYS PENALTY AS EAGLES SOAR
NEVER mind the chance to become the best team in the world, Manchester City cannot shake off the Crystal Palace curse.
Twice during Pep Guardiola’s reign, Crystal Palace have turned up to defy the odds and make off with three points at the Etihad.
This time, 2-0 down and looking well out of it, Roy Hodgson’s battling side came back from the dead to snatch an unlikely draw.
For 75 minutes it appeared that City had placed the FIFA Club World Cup to the back of their minds as they led and had rattled up chance after chance.
But back came Palace with Jean-philippe Mateta at the heart of the revival, scoring and earning the added-time penalty that Michael Olise slotted home.
It meant that City flew off last night to Saudi Arabia wondering what had hit them.
Now they will be hoping to get goal machine Erling Haaland, who missed this encounter, fit for Tuesday night’s semi-final against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
City had launched a footballing tsunami to lay siege to the Eagles from the kick-off.
The biggest surprise was Hodgson’s side stayed afloat until the 23rd minute when Jack Grealish finally breached a stubborn defence with a calm finish to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time.
Until then City had clocked up the chances, Julian Alvarez beginning the onslaught w ith a smart header from Kyle Walker’s cross which produced an outstanding save from Dean Henderson.
Ruben Dias fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box and Rodri saw his goal-bound effort spin around the post.
Then came the breakthrough. With little space to manoeuvre, Dias and Phil Foden combined to release Grealish, who slotted with precision past Dean Henderson.
After another ridiculous interminable wait for a VAR offside decision Stockley Park confirmed that Grealish could enjoy a second celebration.
It was business as usual in the secon d half as once again City went on the prowl with menace and intent.
An Alvarez free-kick was chalked off after Rodri, who attempted to head it, was ruled offside.
Palace’s reprieve was shortlived as City did make it 2-0 in their next attack.
Grealish battled his way to the edge of the area and his ball into the danger area looped up off Jeffrey Schlupp but into the path of Rico Lewis, who scored.
Then came the incredible Palace finale. Tyrick Mitchell’s 76th-minute ball found Schlupp, who accelerated into the box and crossed for Mateta to force past Ederson inside the six-yard box.
And when Foden brought Mateta down in the box in injurytime, Olise kept his cool to silence the Etihad.