Crystal Palace defender Gary Cahill makes Manchester City claim after fixture at Selhurst Park

BY SAM SMITH

Gary Cahill believes Manchester City performed like a team that had extra incentive to beat Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

A rare defeat inflicted by Wolves before the international break left Pep Guardiola’s side eight points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after just eight games.

But goals by Gabriel Jesus and David Silva earned them victory as the gap was cut to six.

Cahill said: “They have got world-class players. That’s what they can do, you can think you’re in a good shape and all of a sudden a bit of skill and a bit of brilliance opens you up and it was two before we knew it.

“That was a sucker-punch for us and a big moment for them because they settled down after the two. They played like this was a big game for them. They pressed really well, moved the ball really quick and they looked really up for it.

“We knew it would be tough. First half, we dropped into our shape okay. If I had any criticism, we could have rushed them a bit more when they were in possession.

“In the second half we were a lot better and both goalkeepers were tremendous.”

Palace’s defeat by Manchester City was the start of a tough run that sees them play each of the five teams above them.

Cahill said: “Going by the performance in the second half, we will be okay.

“To have them all together, we know it’s going to be difficult. I’m sure we have the ability to upset a few of them along the way but it’s going to be a big few weeks.”

“I realise the pressure [big clubs face]. Man City played like they had to win this game, so there were moments in this game… if something goes our way, if we hadn’t conceded the second goal, then Benteke’s header.

“That was an unbelievable save, I was right behind it and for me it was a goal all the way. He [Ederson] has managed to tip it onto the crossbar.

“That was another big moment, if that goes in it goes to 2-1 and maybe it gets a bit hairy towards the end. Credit to them, they had to come here to win and they won. that’s a thing as a big team you have to do along the way. I don’t think they went away thinking that was an easy game.”

PICTURE BY KEITH GILLARD