Brian: City are short of defensive pace and man marking awareness. Palace again proved that City fear the direct ball and too often fail to pick up their man in the box. The lack of confidence in defence is leading to frustration in attack. It is Christmas and City are handing out gifts.

Manchester City’s Premier League title defense took another blow after drawing with Crystal Palace 2-2 on Saturday. Four-time defending champion City ended a seven-game winless run on Wednesday by beating Nottingham Forest, but dropped more points with the draw at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace (16th - 13 points) took the lead twice, once in each half, and only then did Man City look like they might score. Erling Haaland bagged the last goal in the game, his 12th of the season, now one behind Mohamed Salah for the Golden Boot.