‘It’s a season to survive’: Guardiola all but gives up Manchester City’s title bid
City manager praises players despite dropping two pointsHe laments loss of Rico Lewis for Manchester derby
Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City face an uphill battle – “a season to survive” – to retain their Premier League title after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace.
City avoided a sixth straight away defeat in all competitions after Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis equalised Crystal Palace’s goals from Daniel Muñoz and Maxence Lacroix. But Lewis, who filled in at left-back after injuries ruled out Nathan Aké and Manuel Akanji, is set to miss next Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad after being shown a second yellow card in the 84th minute, reducing the visitors to 10 men at Selhurst Park.