Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester City
by Gene Sylvester
at Selhust Park

WITH the title race hotting up, Manchester City’s title defence was given a severe examination by Patrick Vera’s Crystal Palace in south London.

With Liverpool hot on their heels, the Citizens needed a win here to maintain some breathing space between them and the challengers, but Viera’s men pulled out a heroic performance to hold the league leaders to a 0-0 draw under the Sehurst Park lights.

“We had to run a lot today because of the technical quality of the opposition,” said a beaming Patrick Viera after the game.