How do you beat Manchester City? Recent losses reveal blueprint
2:58 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester City’s shock loss to Wolves
Wilfried Zaha and Co. will be alive to those opportunities on Saturday, but they will also be aware that sometimes it comes down to moments of individual brilliance. Townsend’s outstanding volley proved decisive the last time Palace beat City, while Leicester’s winner a few days later came courtesy of similarly stunning effort by Ricardo Pereira.
There is no way of planning for those moments of inspiration. Instead, the challenge for City’s opponents is to put themselves in a position from which they can make a difference.
Capitalise on set-piece chances
The Norwich game was a reminder of another area in which City are vulnerable. Guardiola’s men have only conceded 32 goals in 46 Premier League games since the start of the last season, but their total includes 12 from corners and free-kicks.
It is the same number as strugglers Southampton, only one more than Bournemouth, and means they have conceded a higher percentage of their goals from dead balls than any other side in the division.
Daniel Farke’s side were able to capitalise when Kenny McClean rose unmarked to head home Buendia’s corner for the opener at Carrow Road, but the goal that emphasised the issue most strongly this season came in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium, when the 5ft 7ins Lucas Moura beat Kyle Walker and Laporte to head in Erik Lamela’s delivery.
The set-piece frailty is another factor which could work in Palace’s favour on Saturday. Roy Hodgson’s side already know what it takes to upset the champions. But City’s defeats since then give them more food for thought. Another Palace victory might not be such a shock this time around.
Watch Crystal Palace vs Manchester City live on Sky Sports Premier League HD from 5pm on Saturday; Kick-off 5.30pm
Sourse: skysports.com