Man City's title hopes took another hit as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace in the Premier League
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Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland approached Kyle Walker after Crystal Palace opener
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City fans have resorted to humour amidst their team's challenges this season.
Notably after Erling Haaland levelled the score with a strong header, fans chanted "City are staying up". The ironic cheer relates to the possible repercussions from an independent commission, relating to the alleged 115 charges, beyond just match results, that could impact their title defence.
The 2-2 draw alone wasn't disastrous, but it signifies further trouble for Pep Guardiola's aspirations to keep the title. Yet, concerns run deeper as the team's cohesion is evidently lacking. It was a mere four minutes into a windy encounter in South London when Kyle Walker's lapse in judgement highlighted underlying weaknesses.
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While Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol attempted an offside trap, Walker was caught unprepared for Eberechi Eze, missing Daniel Munoz's progress down the other side.
After receiving Will Hughes' pass, Munoz skillfully tucked the ball past Stefan Ortega. This error is one in a series that casts doubt on Walker's performance levels.
To make matters worse, Haaland exchanged words with his captain, asking what the heck just happened. This is a summary of just how bad things have become.
Guardiola could highlight his extensive injury list and a bench that included five academy lads (alongside £190m worth of signings), but this back four was robust, with three seasoned internationals and a left back who many believe will be England's first-choice for years to come.
They just happened to be out of sync and lacking confidence. Haaland found himself clear on goal twice - denied by Dean Henderson's head on the first occasion - and Ilkay Gundogan saw a left-footed volley rebound off the post, the ease with which Palace continued to drive through the champions' midfield was startling before the Norwegian's equaliser.
Hughes in particular caused problems - intercepting a Kevin De Bruyne pass at one point before being given free rein of Selhurst Park until sending a deflected shot wide. Palace should really have been further ahead before Matheus Nunes shifted the ball onto his right foot and sent a deep cross for Haaland to convert past Dean Henderson, whose positioning was questionable.
City did enjoy a typical spell early in the second half in the sense that they put together a long spell of possession that pinned Palace back. But then Maxence Lacroix headed Oliver Glasner's team back in front from a Hughes corner with the marking leaving much to be desired.
And while Lewis stitched a second equaliser into the top corner, the full back's dismissal for a late tackle on Trevoh Chalobah summed up a team that is drifting alarmingly out of the reckoning.
Liverpool are currently eight points clear of Manchester City but that lead could be extended, should the Reds defeat Everton in the Merseyside Derby when it is eventually played.