Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended1545507299

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: Roy Hodgson's side hand champions major title blow

Re-live the action from the Etihad Stadium

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 22 December 2018 17:15 GMT
Comments
Manchester City: A look back at 2018

Your support helps us to tell the story

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Head shot of Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Champions Manchester City will trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by four points on Christmas Day after a shock 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace.

Andros Townsend scored one of the goals of the season as Roy Hodgson's inspired Palace came from behind to condemn City to their first league defeat at the Etihad Stadium since April.

Townsend struck with a 30-yard volley after Jeffrey Schlupp had cancelled out Ilkay Gundogan's opener on a rain-soaked afternoon.

A penalty from Luka Milivojevic sealed victory although Kevin De Bruyne's cross-cum-shot gave City, who also hit the post through Leroy Sane, late hope.

The defeat was City's second in three league games and handed the title initiative to Liverpool, whom they face on 3 January. Re-live the action in the blog below:

1545506582

Five goals, three points - a very happy Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Manchester United good, Cardiff poor, and it finishes 5-1.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:23
1545506804

Promising signs for Solskjaer's Manchester United, though Cardiff were pretty dire. Would Manchester United have taken them apart so comprehensively with Jose Mourinho still at the helm? I think they may still have done...

Nevertheless, a welcome return to Cardiff for the new Manchester United manager.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:26
1545507299

That's all from us here tonight after an action-packed day of footballing action. Manchester City and Chelsea faltered at home, Arsenal got back to winning ways at lunchtime and Manchester United kick-started a new era in impressive fashion this evening.

For reaction, fallout, analysis and more from all of today's games, stay with The Independent.

I've been Harry Latham-Coyle - thank you for joining me.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:34

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in