Manchester City supporters have injected a dose of humour into the season's trials, especially after Erling Haaland's powerful header brought the score level, prompting chants of "City are staying up" from the stands.
This tongue-in-cheek chant is a nod to potential sanctions from an independent commission over alleged financial breaches, which could threaten more than just their match outcomes and put their title defense in jeopardy.
The 2-2 draw wasn't catastrophic on its own, but it does signal further complications for Pep Guardiola's ambitions to retain the title. However, the deeper issue lies with the team's unity, which seems to be waning.
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The game had barely begun under the blustery South London sky when Kyle Walker's error underscored some fundamental frailties. As Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol tried to spring an offside trap, Walker was caught off guard by Eberechi Eze, failing to notice Daniel Munoz's advance on the flank.
After latching onto Will Hughes' pass, Munoz deftly slotted the ball past Stefan Ortega. This mistake is part of a pattern that raises questions about Walker's current form.
To compound the situation, Haaland was seen questioning his captain in bewilderment, encapsulating the extent of the team's troubles. Guardiola might point to a lengthy injury list and a bench that featured five youth players, but this defensive lineup was solid on paper, boasting three experienced internationals and a left-back tipped to be England's future first-choice.
They were simply out of sync and low on confidence. Haaland found himself with a clear shot at goal twice - the first time being denied by Dean Henderson's head - and Ilkay Gundogan saw his left-footed volley bounce off the post.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (Image: Getty Images)
The ease with which Palace continued to penetrate the champions' midfield was shocking before the Norwegian's equalizer. Hughes, in particular, caused issues - intercepting a Kevin De Bruyne pass at one point and given free rein of Selhurst Park until he sent a deflected shot wide.
Palace should 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 where they maintained a long period 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 contention.
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.