“It’s a good record" - Pep Guardiola refuses to focus on shock Manchester City stat against Crystal Palace

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been quizzed about his thoughts on an incredible stat involving his club’s losing streak against Crystal Palace in very specific circumstances.

After succumbing to a 3-3 draw against Newcastle United last Saturday, Manchester City dropped their first points of the new Premier League season.

It took a valiant comeback from two goals down from Pep Guardiola’s side to level the contest and leave St. James’ Park with one point gained.

With Liverpool going on to lose 2-1 to Manchester United, the Sky Blues’ lead increased to five points over their main title rivals.

Off the back of a 3-3 draw against Barcelona in a latest friendly, City will aim to return to winning ways against Crystal Palace this weekend.

However, that is easier said than done, as Patrick Vieira’s men have won two and drawn one out of their last three games in all competitions.

Furthermore, Manchester City lost one and drew the other meetings against the South Londoners in the league last term.

With all the signs pointing towards a tricky test for the hosts, another statistic has surfaced that does makes for ominous reading from a City perspective.

It has been revealed that the club have lose just two out of their last 54 league games scheduled for 3PM kick-offs on a Saturday, with both defeats coming against Crystal Palace.

As Pep Guardiola was told about this statistic during his pre-match press conference, he replied: “It’s a good record, to lose two out of 54 games.”

The 51-year old continued: “That shows how good they are. With Hodgson and now Patrick Vieira. They have resilience and incredible amount of quality. They defend the 18-yard box really well, good set pieces, good transitions. They have weapons, experienced players in the middle.”

It is also key to note that the Spanish tactician does not have the finest record against Palace, in comparison to his usual near-perfect records against most sides in the Premier League.

Guardiola’s City have won five, while drawing and losing two games apiece in recent league meetings, which indicates that the Eagles tend to be a tricky test for him and his side.

City's last home victory against Palace came in January 2021, with John Stones scoring twice in a 4-0 win over Palace.

Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling were also on the scoresheet that evening.

While there is no denying the threat posed by Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side have a habit of breaking records, especially when their sights are set on becoming the champions of England once again.