‘It’s a season of survival’: Guardiola all but gives up Manchester City’s title claim | Manchester City

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City face an uphill battle – “a season of survival” – to retain their Premier League title after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace.

City avoided a sixth straight defeat in all competitions after Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis canceled out Crystal Palace’s goals from Daniel Muñoz and Maxence Lacroix. But Lewis, who stepped in at left-back after Nathan Aké and Manuel Akanji were ruled out through injury, is expected to miss next Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad after being shown a second yellow card in the 84th minute, moving the visitors to 10th Man being reduced to Selhurst Park.

City are already without several first-team players as they prepare for their Champions League game against Juventus in Turin on Wednesday and Guardiola admitted injuries have taken a toll on his squad. City are eight points behind leaders Liverpool and have played a game longer.

“It’s a season of survival. “We can’t talk about the title race if we lose and draw four games in a row,” he said. “Unfortunately we are missing an important player for the next home game against United this season. But overall what they’ve done under the circumstances is really good.

“We knew from the start that we were unlucky in many things and we have to continue that with the players we have available.”

Jack Grealsih and Jérémy Doku were brought in as late substitutes, although Guardiola expressed concerns about their workload. Although he was not happy with the way his team defended Palace’s second goal from a corner, he was pleased to see Haaland score, drawing level with Mohamed Salah (13 goals in the league).

“We’re lucky to have him,” he said. “We are so happy that we have him this season, happy that we have Rico (Lewis), happy that we have Bernardo (Silva), Gundo (Ilkay Gündogan), all these players, Josko (Gvardiol).” All of these players played all season, without a break. We are so lucky for these four, five, six players…”

Palace manager Oliver Glasner felt his side could have achieved more against the reigning champions. “After we took the lead twice, especially after the 2-1 win, we became too passive,” he said.

“It’s not that easy against City. That’s not a criticism of the players, but when you’re in your own third it’s a matter of time. They can find a gap of one meter with one or two touches.”