Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City – Mitchell and Guaita earn Eagles a deserved point in a determined display

Crystal Palace recorded back-to-back clean sheets against the Premier League champions as they held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park last night.

Here are Edmund Brack’s takeaways from the match.

TYRICK MITCHELL WAS OUTSTANDING – ENGLAND MUST BE ON THE HORIZON

I was in awe from the press box at Riyad Mahrez’s first touch and elegance of switching the ball from side to side before trying to get a shot or clinical pass off, but for Tyrick Mitchell, the 22-year-old left-back took it all in his stride.

With Gareth Southgate set to announce his 23-man squad for England’s friendlies against Ivory Coast and Switzerland on Thursday, against a world-class barometer of Mahrez, Mitchell showed he is suited to playing on the highest stage.

Against City on Monday night, Mitchell won 100 per cent of his duels, 100 per cent of his four tackles, recovered the ball eight times and was not dribbled past once during the 90 minutes.

Brent-born Mitchell is unbelievably consistent for someone who has never featured for England at any youth level, and it would be a testament to his rise that he earns an international call upon the eve of a World Cup.

DETERMINED AND DEFENSIVE DISPLAY THAT DESERVED A POINT 

While City pincered forward in a dangerous and methodical approach that looked destined to find a route to goal with every pinpoint pass, Palace rebuffed anything thrown towards them.

The Eagles made 32 clearances during the 90 minutes – only four outside of their penalty area – and made 18 blocks to thwart City and turn their patience into annoyance.

They rode their luck, with City hitting the framework twice and Bernardo Silva failing to turn a shot towards goal that was begging for a touch into the back of the net, but Palace were not outclassed on the night.

Vieira’s side had their chances in the first half, with the patient press stealing the ball away from City twice in quick succession. However, unlike the away trip at the Etihad, they were unable to find a way past Ederson.

If Palace are to progress through to the final of the FA Cup, that hardened fighting spirit could be crucial against the upper Premier League elite should they navigate a way past Everton.

VICENTE GUAITA SHOWED WHY HE IS UNDISPUTED NUMBER ONE

From Kevin de Bruyne’s first-half flick that was certain to nestle in the back of the net before he turned the shot away from goal, to the strong hand he flung at Mahrez’s rebounded effort, Vicente Guaita earned Crystal Palace the point.

The Spanish 35-year-old, who made five saves during the contest, earned praise from both Vieira and City manager Pep Guardiola.

While Jack Butland is a reliable number two and deputy, Guaita showed that he is still agile, athletic and at the top of his game.

Considering Butland has played in all of the previous FA Cup outings, it will be interesting to see if Vieira continues giving the former England international minutes in the quarter-final clash on Sunday.

COULD THE PREMIER LEAGUE NOW PRESENT AN OPPORTUNITY?

Now that Palace’s Premier League safety is all but mathematically confirmed, it could present Vieira with the opportunity to prepare for next season.

With games against Southampton, Leeds, Aston Villa and Watford all to come, Vieira could now afford to start blooding the next crop of youngsters – Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Tayo Adaramola – into the Premier League.

Rak-Sakyi made his top-flight debut at Chelsea on the opening day, and Adaramola was handed the starting role against Stoke in the fifth round of the FA Cup. However, seeing them consistently produce in the most demanding environment in world football will benefit Vieira’s squad heading into the next campaign.

It could also be a chance to bring Eberechi Eze back up to speed with Conor Gallagher destined to fight for his place at Chelsea next season.

PICTURES: ROB AVIS