Manchester City suffers first defeat as Palace thrash United

By Peter Ochieng

Manchester City’s perfect start to the 2023/2024 English Premier League (EPL) season is over.

The defending champions suffered a shocking 2-1 loss against Wolves at the Molineux stadium on Saturday.

City started the match on the back foot, as defender Rúben Dias scored an on goal in the 13th minute, before Argentine Julian Alvarez equalised in the 58th minute.

However, Hwang Hee-chan scored a 66th minute winner to hand Wolves all the three points.

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola was unable to intervene as his side failed to take control, because of being forced to watch from the stands as he served a one-match touchline ban.

The Citizens have now lost successive games for the first time since January, 2023, following their midweek defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup.

Saturday was a bad day in office for Manchester sides, as Manchester United lost 0-1 at home against Crystal Palace.

United did beat Palace 3-0 in a midweek EFL Cup meeting, but Erik ten Hag’s side lacked the spark to collect three points at Old Trafford.

Danish striker Joachim Andersen made the difference with his 25th minute goal. Andersen, fabulously drove a first-time effort into the top corner after a free-kick. 

It is now four defeats in seven Premier League games for Ten Hag's side. United have endured their worst start to a league season after seven games in 34 years.

Despite the loss, City remain top of the league table with 18 points from 7 matches, but that was subject to change if Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur later on Saturday.

EPL Saturday results:

Wolves 2 vs 1 Manchester City

Manchester United 0 vs 1 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa 6 vs 1 Brighton

Bournemouth 0 vs 4 Arsenal

Everton 1 vs 2 Luton

Newcastle 2 vs 0 Burnley

West Ham 2 vs Sheffield United 0