Man City make modern Premier League history, would've been tough to do if Erling Haaland started

Manchester City have recorded a piece of modern Premier League history during their clash against Crystal Palace.

City went into the game without Erling Haaland for the third consecutive match, with the forward still recovering from injury.

Julian Alvarez took his place up front, the Argentinian having played a key role in the City side alongside Haaland this term.

Pep Guardiola's side showed no signs of missing the Norwegian in the first half, however, with Jack Grealish converting one of their 14 shots at goal to give them a 1-0 advantage over the Eagles.

Rico Lewis then made it 2-0 in the second half with a first time shot inside the area, leaving Palace league debutant Dean Henderson with no chance.

But it was the first half in which City created a piece of modern history that may have been more challenging had Haaland been available and in the starting XI.

As per OptaJoe, each of the 10 outfield players in Guardiola's side created a chance during the opening 45 minutes - something that hasn't been achieved by any other side in the history of the Premier League.

10/10 - All 10 of Manchester City's outfield players created a chance in the first half against Crystal Palace. This is the first time on record (2006-07 onwards) that 10 different players have created a chance for one team in the first half of a Premier League game. Collective. pic.twitter.com/Z3ZpWY1qyW

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 16, 2023

Palace would go on to level the game with the first shot on target of the match, Jean-Phillppe Mateta scoring after Jeffrey Schlupp's assist.

Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola recognised the tough test that Hodgson's side would present.

He said: "Always they have been tough games. How they defend is brilliant, they don't need much.

"Set pieces with [Joachim] Andersen and the other guys, it will be a tough game. It always has been, I don't remember easy games against Roy Hodgson's teams, Patrick Vieira neither."

Should City win, they will rise up to second place in the Premier League table ahead of Arsenal, and just one point behind leaders Liverpool.

However, both of those sides are in action later in the weekend, with Liverpool hosting Manchester United and Arsenal entertaining Brighton.