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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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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:

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Chelsea 0-0 Leicester, 17 minutes

A Willian corner causes a bit of havoc in the Leicester area but David Luiz can't quite reach the ball to turn it home.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:21
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GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Brighton (David Brooks, 21 minutes)

What a finish!

David Brooks has really caught the eye this season with his dribbling ability and pace, but on this occasion it is the fiercest of finishes that has given Bournemouth the lead.

The young Welsh international charges at the Brighton defence, forcing them to back off and cutting inside to power past Mathew Ryan in some fashion.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:21
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West Ham 0-0 Watford, 25 minutes

Open stuff at the London Stadium, with both sides starting to threaten.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:28
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GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Crystal Palace (Ilkay Gundogan, 26 minutes)

It is a lovely passing move from Manchester City, and as they so often do at the end of such movements, there is a player there to finish it off.

Ilkay Gundogan is the man on this occasion, and Manchester City have the lead.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:28
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PENALTY TO WATFORD!

Roberto Pereyra is charged into by Fabian Balbuena and Watford will have a chance to take the lead.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:29
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GOAL! West Ham 0-1 Watford (Troy Deeney, 30 minutes)

Lukasz Fabianski had saved his last three Premier League penalties faced, but Troy Deeney powers past the Pole and Watford do indeed take the lead at the London Stadium.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:31
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Newcastle 0-0 Fulham, 32 minutes

Friendly fire, and Alfie Mawson may be in some bother.

Sergio Rico collides with his defender and Mawson may have been knocked out.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:34
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GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Crystal Palace (Jeffrey Schlupp, 32 minutes)

Back on level terms!

Jeffrey Schlupp hits his left-footed drive very crisply, bisecting Kyle Walker's legs and skipping past Ederson into the bottom corner.

1-1 at the Etihad.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:34
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Newcastle 0-0 Fulham, 35 minutes

Fortunately for Claudio Ranieri (and indeed the player himself), Alfie Mawson rejoins proceedings after receiving treatment.

The collision was a nasty one, so it is good to see the centre-half back amongst it.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:37
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​GOAL! Manchester City 1-2 Crystal Palace (Andros Townsend, 35 minutes)

WHAT! A! GOAL!

That is stunning!

The ball floats to Andros Townsend 30 yards from goal, dropping out of the air and onto Townsend's left boot.

Townsend hits it first time on the volley, and his strike is ludicrously clean. The ball rifles past Ederson, seemingly finding a second wind to rise five yards from goal, taking it past the diving Brazilian and powering into the back of the net.

Goal of the season contender.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 15:37

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