Patient City have stamp of champions

Manchester City 1 Crystal Palace 0

The 2011/12 champions had to dig deep against Crystal Palace and grind out a win at home for once. It was not free-flowing nor was it gluttony on the goal front, but it was dogged, determined and most importantly patient when the home fans were growing frustrated that the struggling South London side were not being cast aside like other stunned victims at the Etihad Stadium have been this season. City supporters never enjoyed his views but this is what former Manchester United manager and serial title winner Alex Ferguson would have labelled as “the mark of champions”, just as he did on so many occasions when his side performed in a similar manner but still attained those vital three points.

Edin Dzeko’s 66th-minute winner sealed the victory for a City side that had six changes from their victory over Liverpool on St Stephens’ Day. The Bosnian international curled in from Jesus Navas’s cross, as City’s constant probing finally paid off and their 100% record at the Etihad this season was maintained, just.