Crystal Palace 2 Manchester City 1: Manuel Pellegrini has 'no concerns' about his job despite falling away in the title race

Pellegrini claimed that Glenn Murray's goal was offside and that the striker also should have conceded a penalty, but blamed his players for not taking control

Manuel Pellegrini reacts after Crystal Palace score a second (Getty Images)

Manuel Pellegrini insists he is not concerned about speculation surrounding his future as Manchester City boss.

The reigning Barclays Premier League champions' hopes of retaining the title were dealt another huge blow after a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace left City down in fourth place, nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Speculation continues to mount that the Chilean will be replaced at the end of what is shaping up to be a disappointing season.

But he said: "I'm not concerned about my job. That is one thing I am never concerned with.

Goals from Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon either side of half-time condemned City to defeat at Selhurst Park.

There may have been a hint of offside about Murray's goal, with both the striker and Scott Dann possibly just beyond the last man.

However, if there were question marks about the first goal, there was nothing wrong with the second three minutes after the interval as Puncheon curled home a superb free-kick.

Murray was also involved in controversy at the other end when the ball hit his arm in the area before Yaya Toure pulled one back for City.

"It was a clear offside. Also it was a clear penalty," added Pellegrini. "But with the way we played we must win this game."

Pellegrini says he has 'no concerns' about his future (Getty Images)

By contrast it was another big scalp and a memorable night for Palace, whose revival under manager Alan Pardew shows no sign of letting up.

"It was a huge night for us; the champions under pressure playing at our place," said Pardew.

"We had some scary moments - I counted about 23 - but we held out. They kept coming at us, they got a great goal and I feared they might take a draw but it was our night.

"We had a couple of breaks tonight - the goal looked offside - but I felt we deserved them."

PA