How Manchester City's Shock Loss at Crystal Palace Unfolded on Twitter

Ryan BaileyApr 6, 2015

Manchester City arrived at Selhurst Park on Monday evening safe in the knowledge that they were enjoying a hot streak against Crystal Palace:

Alan Pardew, meanwhile, had overseen a revolution in south London, picking up 19 points from 10 games in charge and earning Premier League safety.

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Last season, the wheels fell off Liverpool's title campaign during a famous evening game at Selhurst Park, and many suspected a similar result could mean curtains for City's ever-dwindling title campaign:

Some, however, felt a Palace result was pretty unlikely:

Evidently, many did not see an upset on the cards—but how wrong they were! In the calm before the storm, the moments before kick-off, plenty of Tweets focussed on the more frivolous topic of Palace's troupe of pom-pom-wielding ladies:

"
If palace beat city I'll swim to Africa with a sofa tied to my ankle
— Liam Lee (@liamlee90) April 6, 2015"

"
The palace cheerleaders are honestly so awful and so out of sync and just basic hahah that is not cheerleading that's just lookin pretty
— nadine (@nadineblxw) April 6, 2015"

Within a few seconds of kick-off, Wilfried Zaha had a golden opportunity to upset the visitors, which he ended up side-footing into Row Z. The former Manchester United man started trending immediately:

"
Always maintained this about Zaha. https://t.co/33Ca10Lrxp
— M (@ScholesEsque) April 6, 2015"

Zaha may have lamented his missed opportunity, as City slowly started to take control of the game within the first 30 minutes.

However, Zaha's regret was relatively temporary, as Glenn Murray managed to put the home side ahead—totally against the run of play—in the 34th minute. The 31-year-old stabbed in the opener from a Scott Dann rebound.

Many claimed the buildup was suspiciously offside, leading to plenty of level-headed debate:

City went into the dressing room at half-time a goal down, with the Sky Blues still haranguing the officials about the controversial offside decision as they left the pitch.

David Silva had several chances to put City ahead in the opening 45, but took none of them. He received plenty of requests to rediscover his shooting boots:

"
Why are all media and commentators against lower reputation clubs? That was a perfect timed run by Murray. Not offside at all #CPFC
— Luke (@lukemac93) April 6, 2015"

"
David Silva. I love you, but please, you need to pull the trigger more. Shoot more, final pass slightly less.
— Luigi (@LRMFJ) April 6, 2015"

Yet the diminutive Spanish magician earned plenty of praise for his impressive performance, even if he didn't put the ball in the net:

Vincent Kompany also trended during half-time—and not exclusively due to his continuing drop in quality. Many were unhappy that the big Belgian had put his hands on the referee without sanction:

"
David Silva has been at the heart of absolutely everything Man City have done in attack. #MCFC #CPFCvsMCFC #atk #letsFootball
— Sayantan Bhowmik (@SBhowmik712) April 6, 2015"

"
Di Maria - Sent Off Kompany- No action taken. pic.twitter.com/tqLgqz3U4x
— Footy Jokes (@Footy_Jokes) April 6, 2015"

A few minutes into the second half, City's misery was further compounded when Jason Puncheon lifted a free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net to double the home side's advantage.

"
Manchester City players looking at the Premier League table... http://t.co/5IB71V3qhk
— Footy Laughs (@FootyLaughs) April 6, 2015"

Events took a slightly unsavory turn just after the hour mark when travelling City fans struck Puncheon in the face while he was attempting to take a corner. The free-kick hero appeared to be hit by objects including a few sweets, so perhaps "unsavory" isn't the right term:

"
Puncheon should have just picked up whatever was thrown and eaten it. That's what Dani Alves would have done. #mnf
— Roy (@PapaBeats) April 6, 2015"

With 20 minutes to go, City were very unlucky not to win a penalty when Murray clearly handled in the area.

In the 79th minute, Yaya Toure redeemed himself for a relatively abject performance by scoring a goal from outside the box that appeared to travel at approximately 600 mph.

"
If that shot from Toure hit Aguero on the way, that was a leg breaker right there.
— Luke. (@23Eriksen) April 6, 2015"

As full-time approached, Manuel Pellegrini started trending as speculation grew over the imminent arrival of his P45:

"
Pellegrini: "we played well"
— . (@nick_curd1) April 6, 2015"

"
Guess the question that remains is will pellegrini be too proud to claim job seekers?
— King Dinger (@maxwrigley) April 6, 2015"

The final whistle blew with Pellegrini's employment prospects in doubt and the title race looking all but complete.

Palace deserved full credit for their valiant defending, but the social media conversation was dominated by the reigning champions' downfall. On the eve of a rare defeat to the Eagles, City fans were given a sobering lesson in economics.