Up front Palace have a trio with Pace power and skill, Bolasie, Zaha and Gayle are going to be tough to manage no matter who the opposition and although Manchester City have been pretty solid defensively I think this Palace side will be able to cause them problems.
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Even though it is the early stages of the season, it is a poignant game for the Eagles – their first ever top-of-the-table clash as one of the two top sides in England, a match-up that did not take place 25 years ago.
City produced a 90th-minute victor to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 and secure a fifth consecutive victory from as many matches, while champion Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Everton that sealed its worst start in the Premier League.
Alan Pardew stormed past Manuel Pellegrini and was tugged back by the City manager, though the skirmish ended with a handshake between the two men.
– Is Man City’s title favouritism fully deserved?
“Only time can prove value for money”, assessed Pardew when asked about City’s summer additions.
“I think we’re good to watch”. But we’re in the next batch of clubs behind them.
“He is a very important player for us”.
And the City boss, whose past as an amteur boxer was recently revealed, also hit out at referee Mike Jones, who he said should have red-carded Scott Dann for a vicious kick that injured Sergio Aguero.
Their flawless start, which has produced 15 points from five games and a goal tally of 11-0, means they are five clear of second placed Arsenal and, importantly, 11 ahead of champions Chelsea.
“Everyone will look at City today and see why they are where they are”.
After Aguero was replaced by Kevin De Bruyne, Wilfried Bony was left as City’s lone striker. “On one hand, it’s been great to see the lads playing so well, but on the other you are frustrated at not being involved”.
Founded by Edmund Goodman in 1905, they were then known as “the Glaziers”, but it would be 85 years before they enjoyed their most successful season. Jason Puncheon scored the victor in that match, and he is likely to continue in his new central midfield role this weekend.
Nemanja Matic pulled a goal back for Chelsea with a long-distance effort before the break, but Naismith put the result beyond doubt by squeezing an angled shot through the legs of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in the 82nd.
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Speaking to the Official Site following the full time whistle, the youngster couldn’t hide his joy at how the day had gone for him and with Pellegrini putting his trust in him over pre season, he was quick to thank the gaffer for sticking with him.
