Manchester City finds themselves at fault for relinquishing a two-goal lead and settling for a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, according to Rico Lewis. Despite a strong performance, Jack Grealish and Lewis provided City with a cushion, but penalty-winner Jean-Phillippe Mateta brought the Eagles back into the game on the 76th minute. Michael Olise sealed the draw with a 95th-minute spot kick. Reflecting on the outcome, Lewis emphasized the need for introspection, stating, “We can’t point the finger at anyone else. We can only blame ourselves.”
The draw extends City’s streak to three Premier League home games without a win, a feat not seen since 2016. With 12 goals conceded in six games, concerns loom about their standing in the title race as they head to the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Lewis acknowledged the team’s collective responsibility, remarking, “It’s our fault. We have no complaints, just to ourselves.”
Despite dominating possession with 75%, Palace managed to exploit City’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly through Mateta, who earned the crucial penalty by drawing a foul from Phil Foden. Lewis, however, accepted the referee’s decision, stating, “It’s a penalty because the ref called it.” He reiterated that accountability rests with the team, emphasizing their lack of complaints against external factors.
City’s recent Premier League performance reveals a struggle, with only one win in their last six games and four victories in their last 11 overall. The upcoming league fixture against Everton at Goodison Park on December 22 poses a crucial test for City as they aim to reverse their fortunes. In the face of challenges, Lewis underscored the importance of self-evaluation, reinforcing the notion that their current predicament is a result of their own actions.
