Jason Puncheon doubled Crystal Palace’s lead over Manchester City three minutes into the second half of their Premier League clash at Selhurst Park with a sublime free-kick, potentially ending Manuel Pellegrini’s slim hopes of overhauling Chelsea and clinching their third title.
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(Video) Glenn Murray goal gives Crystal Palace 1-0 lead v Man City: three contentious offside calls
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City starting XIs: Pellegrini goes on attack with two strikers
City had dominated most of the play in the first-half – with Sergio Aguero hitting the post – but had gone in behind after striker Glenn Murray bagged a controversial goal, which involved three contentious offside calls before he tapped home from close range.
Pellegrini would have been keen to see them turn their pressure into goals after the interval, however, Alan Pardew’s men had other ideas.
Midfielder Fernandinho gave away a soft foul in a dangerous position, which allowed the former Southampton man, Puncheon to curl a sumptuous effort over the wall, and into the bottom corner.
However, questions could be asked of the positioning of City goalkeeper, Joe Hart, who appeared to give himself no chance of reaching the strike.