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As it happenedended1545499459

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
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Manchester City: A look back at 2018

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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:

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Manchester City are sizeable favourites at home against Crystal Palace this afternoon as they seek a win to keep pace with Liverpool, who safely returned home with three points in the bag after a Friday night visit to Wolves.

Roy Hodgson's side face a tough task today, but the Palace manager thinks his side won't be overawed and have a real chance of victory:

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:52
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Just a few moments from kick off this afternoon.

Plenty of Christmas cheer around the grounds today, though this Newcastle fan may perhaps just be trying to keep warm...

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:55
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The clock strikes three, and the six games are underway.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:00
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Manchester City 0-0 Crystal Palace, 2 minutes

Vicente Guaita has come into the Crystal Palace team recently and is forced into an early flying stop to prevent Fabian Delph opening the scoring. 

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:03
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West Ham 0-0 Watford, 3 minutes

West Ham are seeking a fifth consecutive win and nearly begin in perfect fashion.

Christian Kabasele does brilliantly to get back and prevent Javier Hernandez slotting home Robert Snodgrass' cross.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:05
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Bournemouth 0-0 Brighton, 6 minutes

A battle for the South Coast at the Vitality Stadium and Brighton have started well.

First Florin Andone can't latch on to a Jurgen Locadia cross and then Yves Bissouma's effort is clear of the crossbar.

Both sides keen to play attacking football in the opening minutes. There could be goals in this one.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:07
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​Travelling Southampton fans all received a free Santa hat today. Perks.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:11
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Bournemouth 0-0 Brighton, 11 minutes

More good play from Brighton and Yves Bissouma forces Asmir Begovic into a strong save, staying big to the last moment to block the effort after Bissouma exchanged passes with Pascal Groß.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:12
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Bournemouth 0-0 Brighton, 13 minutes

No goals as of yet at any of the six games.

Bournemouth-Brighton has been full of action, however, and this time the hosts go close as Callum Wilson heads just wide.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:15
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GOAL! Huddersfield 0-1 Southampton (Nathan Redmond, 15 minutes)

Ralph Hasenhuttl's arrival has sparked Nathan Redmond into some good form. He was influential against Arsenal last week, and he's put Southampton ahead this!

It is a through ball from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg that sets him free and Redmond finds an excellent finish past Jonas Lossl.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:15

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