City Suffer Title Blow Yet Again Ahead Of Manchester Derby

Goals from Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon helped Crystal Palace put a huge dent in Manchester City's title challenge. Yaya Toure respon...

Goals from Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon helped Crystal Palace put a huge dent in Manchester City's title challenge. Yaya Toure responded for the visitors, but it was Alan Pardew's men who held on to claim another big scalp and virtually guarantee their place in the top flight for next season.

Defeat leaves City nine points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand, with the small matter of the Manchester derby to come next weekend.

So poor is their current form - three defeats in five matches - that City have suddenly found themselves as the team Liverpool and Tottenham will be eyeing up as they attempt to steal fourth spot and, unthinkably, deny them a Champions League place.

By contrast it was another big scalp and a memorable night for Palace, whose revival under manager Alan Pardew shows no sign of letting up.