Crystal Palace were excellent on Saturday as Manchester City struggled to perform.
Goals from Daniel Munoz and Maxence Chalobah rocked the Citizens at Selhurst Park, as Oliver Glasner held Pep Guardiola to a 2-2 draw, also putting some daylight between Crystal Palace and the relegation zone.
The Citizens only made two substitutions out of a possible five to try and turn one point into three, opting to introduce Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku, the latter replacing Savinho, who struggled to make an impact on the right.
In doing so, Guardiola ignored James McAtee – a decision which, coupled with a spirited performance from Crystal Palace, could prove decisive in January.
James McAtee may push to join Crystal Palace after 2-2 draw
A story from the South London Press recently claimed that Crystal Palace want McAtee in January.
It is believed the Manchester City No.87 is keen to leave Manchester City this winter in search of regular playing time – with the Citizens valuing the attacking midfielder at £20m.
Presumably, McAtee’s desire to depart has only grown stronger after Guardiola ignored him once again on Saturday, especially as the man chosen ahead of him on the right flank – Savinho – failed to impress.
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The 22-year-old has only played two minutes of Premier League football so far this season, which, even with the level of competition at Manchester City, is nowhere near enough for a player of this talent.
McAtee has also had to watch on from the bench as Phil Foden struggles this season – the England international has failed to score in 14 Premier League appearances.
Therefore, if the Crystal Palace target isn’t seeing much action under Guardiola, who praised the Eagles, right now, he may never get a better chance to play, potentially leading him to seek a move to SE25 this January.
Manchester City No.87 would be a fantastic addition
Dougie Freedman will struggle to find a Michael Olise replacement in January, but McAtee would not be a bad choice by any means.
Like the France international, the England U21 international loves to cut inside from the right onto his stronger left foot, even scoring against us from that side during our 3-2 win over Sheffield United at Selhurst Park last season.
James McAtee of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sheffie...
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
McAtee scored three goals and provided three assists for the Blades in 31 Premier League appearances during that loan spell last season – a fine return for the side who finished rock bottom – so hopefully, Freedman can strike an agreement in January.
After Saturday’s developments, personal terms may not be an issue to agree whatsoever.