Pep Guardiola seems to be going through a rough time, not only with Manchester City’s current form but also with regard to facing the heat from other managers. Previously, it was Jose Mourinho taking a sly dig at the City boss; this time, Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is found mocking Pep with a cheeky smile.
Manchester City’s troubles do not look to be going away anytime soon, as the defending champions drop more points in the title race, this time at home to Crystal Palace. Man City sit fourth in the table, three points off league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. City will now be travelling to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Roy Hodgson with cheeky smile to Pep Guardiola
Roy Hodgson has always been a character on the sidelines, and his cheeky smile to Pep Guardiola only adds to his list of his greatest moments captured on camera. The former Liverpool manager was seen expressing his happiness, but with the help of a bizarre smirk.
Manchester City were leading the game 2-1 when Jean Philippe Mateta was brought down by Phil Foden in the box in the last minute of added time of the game. Michael Olise dispatched the penalty home to hurt an already agonized Guardiola.
Roy Hodgson laughing at Pep Guardiola's face. 😂😂pic.twitter.com/9ZoHBcY75e
— Ryan, TEN HAG MUFC 🇾🇪 (@TenHagWay) December 16, 2023
However, as soon as Olise scored the penalty, it was Roy Hodgson who grabbed all the attention as he was seen smirking at Guardiola, when the City boss furiously argued with the match referees while storming on the touchline.
Crystal Palace hold off Manchester City
Although it is early in the season, Manchester City look to be slipping away in the title race as they have won only one game in their last six league games. Despite Pep Guardiola assuring the run of form to be ‘normal’, City fans seem to be skeptical and find it unusual for the team’s standards.
Man City draw 2-2 after a 95th-minute penalty for Crystal Palace 🙃 pic.twitter.com/vIgWt73JIw
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 16, 2023
Crystal Palace came from a two-goal deficit to draw the match 2-2, thanks to Mateta, who scored one and won the match-winning penalty. City led the game for 75 odd minutes courtesy of goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis, only to let the lead slip with just a fraction of the game remaining.
Manchester City now enjoy a break from the Premier League, with all focus shifted towards the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Pep Guardiola would hope his talisman, Erling Haaland would be back from injury, as City are looking to secure a new trophy to add to their cabinet.
Is the current Manchester City league form of just one win in six games concerning? Let us know what you think in the comments.
