Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 1 analysis: David Silva a big miss but City just manage to maintain winning record

Pardew almost got his tactics just right

(Getty Images)

VIEW FROM THE BENCH

Shorn of strikers due to injury, Palace boss Alan Pardew still went on the offensive with Puncheon, Zaha, Bolasie and Sako all giving the City rear guard plenty to think about. City missed the injured David Silva's ability to unlock a defence but escaped with another win.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

"Yeeeeessss @67Kelechi!!!!!!!" - Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta, not part of the playing squad on Saturday, keeps it short and sweet when summing up.

STAR PLAYER

Jason Puncheon: The Palace midfielder is one of the in-form players in the Premier League so far this season and showed why with another all-action display, while coming close to breaking the deadlock twice.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Kelechi Iheanacho outshone fellow substitute Kevin De Bruyne and announced himself to the Premier League with a dramatic late winner just seconds after coming on.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

The first half was far too stop-start as both sides resorted to niggly and, in some cases, cynical fouls. The bosses had a bit of a squabble on the touchline as well.

WHO'S UP NEXT

Tottenham v Crystal Palace (Premier League, September 20)

Man City v Juventus (Champions League, September 15)

PA