Premier League rivals will sense a chink in the armour that they are not invisible. Premier League leaders Manchester City have been outstanding this season picking up maximum points in 19 of the 21 matches played, Everton and Crystal Palace the only teams to deny them. Some may argue that the extravagant spending by City is responsible for their blistering start to the campaign, rather it is more of the philosophy of the coach and the players getting to understand the style of play, as money can buy you the best players but not the near-perfect football Manchester City have put on display this season.Manchester City found out? Unlike most teams they’ve played this season, Crystal Palace did not park the bus at Selhurst Park, rather a more offensive approach by the relegation-threatened team, finding pockets of spaces and causing the defence problems. Wilfried Zaha the chief tormentor in the match as City held on for their lives lucky to escape with a point after a late missed penalty by Palace.In the 20 matches they have played this season before Palace, City have never looked more vulnerable than the match at Palace, to make matters worse, Gabriel Jesus suffered an injury in the first half. Star player Kevin De Bruyne was hacked down and was only lucky to survive a nasty injury. He should miss the game against Watford on Tuesday, January 2 at the Etihad Stadium. With David Silva sidelined for personal problems, Fabian Delph and Vincent Kompany doubtful and key man Fernandinho suspended, City have not had it this bad since the beginning of the season coupled with the cracks that are starting to show evidently from the game against Palace.Crystal Palace may not have won the match but they have given every team in the league a tutorial on how to approach City. A quick reminder that City started last season with 10 consecutive victories last season and when the run was halted by Tottenham, a downward spiral followed. The match against Watford, therefore, is a test of character, but God help City, if they struggle against Watford today, Premier League rivals will sense a chink in the armour that they are not invisible, what happens from there I don’t know.
