Crystal Palace faced the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner could not have wished for a better start, with Daniel Munoz scoring in the third minute of play after being slipped through by Will Hughes.
The lead was not held for long as Erling Haaland soon found an equaliser in the 31st minute of action.
After the break, Crystal Palace took the lead once again with Hughes assisting Maxence Lacroix’s first goal for the Eagles to take the lead for a second time.
Rico Lewis however equalised 11 minutes later as the Eagles let another lead slip. This was 16 minutes before his red card.
The Eagles will have been disappointed to draw to this poor City team, but one man was a true superstar during the game.
Will Hughes shines brightest for Crystal Palace during Storm Darragh
While not getting on the scoresheet, Hughes was undoubtedly the spotlight stealer for Crystal Palace in the 2-2 draw against City.
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan and Crystal Palace's Will Hughes during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City FC ...
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
We can’t remember a better performance from the 29-year-old as he produced two excellent assists in the game.
Stat Vs. City
Minutes 94
Assists 2
Passing 28/36
Chances created 3
Touches 49
Dribbles 1/1
Passes into final third 7
Tackles 1/3
Defensive actions 5
Recoveries 8
Duels won 4
MORE PALACE STORIES
Hughes ran the game and everything the Palace did well came through Glasner’s No.19 as he competed defensively and offensively in a truly great performance from a No.8.
The performance will have delighted Glasner on the sideline as he watched on with Hughes becoming a key part of this recent Palace success and four-game unbeaten streak.
Hughes will also be delighted as he will hope that through performances like this, he will earn a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Hughes sends clear message to Oliver Glasner and Dougie Freedman
This man-of-the-match performance from Hughes is timely, considering in three weeks he will have just six months remaining on his £50,000-a-week contract.
Last summer, Hughes’ contract was extended by just one year as the Eagles took up the year option. But having stolen the show against Pep Guardiola’s City, Hughes may have sent a real statement to Glasner and also Dougie Freedman.
This message is that the £6m midfielder can still play a part for Crystal Palace and doesn’t need to be released in June 2025.
Having dominated the midfield which included Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, we would also inclined to agree with him.
If performances continue in this manner, he will undoubtedly play himself into contention for a new deal.
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