Crystal Palace ended Manchester City’s 18-match winning streak in the Premier League on Sunday after forcing the runaway leaders to a scoreless draw at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles could, however, have had much more than just a share of the spoils.
After surviving 90 minutes at 0-0, Palace’s Wilfried Zaha went down in the box on a foul by Raheem Sterling, giving the 17th place side a golden opportunity to take down the all-but-anointed champions with a penalty kick.
Luka Milivojevic, however, failed miserably to convert his spot kick.
The midfielder hit a low, straight shot which goalkeeper Ederson kicked away with some ease.
In a game of such mismatched teams, this draw should feel like a win for Palace. Instead, they walk away strangely disappointed, while City’s dreams of an unbeaten season are allowed to continue.
It is the first time Pep Guardiola’s side failed to score away in 12 months.
0 – Crystal Palace are the first home team to stop Manchester City scoring in the Premier League since Everton back in January. Resolve.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 31, 2017
And City’s afternoon was further soured when Kevin De Bruyne was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious looking injury immediately after the spot-kick following an ugly challenge by Palace substitute Jason Puncheon.
