Crystal Palace: Creating Enough, but Failing to Take Their Chances

Pierre Sage’s first competitive game in charge of Crystal Palace ended in frustration, as the Eagles conceded once in each half against Everton. Yet the final result did not tell the full story. Palace generated 1.96 xG compared with Everton’s 1.12 and missed four clear opportunities to score.

That lack of efficiency could become an even bigger problem with one of the division’s strongest teams next on the schedule. Palace have struggled against Manchester City in recent years, losing six of their last 10 meetings and winning just once. However, that solitary victory was a memorable one, as their 1-0 triumph delivered the FA Cup in 2025.

Manchester City: Three Points Earned, but Questions Still Remain

Life after Pep Guardiola has started somewhat unsteadily for Manchester City. They opened the new era with a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield before finding themselves behind for long periods against Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.

Enzo Maresca’s side eventually turned the match around, with Marc Guéhi scoring in the 84th minute before Josko Gvardiol struck in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 win. While the comeback showed resilience, City's defensive issues remain a concern, as they have yet to record a clean sheet under their new head coach.

Their recent away form also leaves room for improvement. City won only two of their final five league matches away from home last season, meaning this trip to London could prove more challenging than it appears on paper.

Match Facts and Head-to-Head

Crystal Palace have lost six of their last 10 meetings with Manchester City.

Palace’s only win during that period came in the 2025 FA Cup final, which they won 1-0.

Manchester City have not kept a clean sheet in any match under Enzo Maresca so far.