Pep Guardiola will see how far 'soft' Man City have come this season vs Crystal Palace

It wasn't much of a surprise when Crystal Palace silenced the Etihad in August with two first half goals.

Palace have a better record against City than most, and know how to smash-and-grab their way to three points in East Manchester. The only surprise was that Palace scored early, rather than late on.

Erling Haaland's electric start to life at City ensured that Palace's efforts went unrewarded, but that didn't prevent Pep Guardiola from describing his side as 'soft' after the game. His fears would go on to bother him until January, but City have since turned around their attitude and also eradicated that softness when it comes to conceding.

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The two Palace goals came in quick succession and from an identical route - a set-piece on the right. First, John Stones bundled in an own goal, and then Joachim Anderson was unmarked to power in a header. One unorganised set piece is bad enough, but two in 20 minutes?

Bernardo Silva and a Haaland hat-trick ensured the post-match headlines were about City's offensive strength, but Guardiola hadn't forgotten that first half when he did his media rounds after the game.

"We have to improve," Guardiola said. "We are soft in some departments. There are parts we need to be in the competition more. The Premier League doesn't wait. When you are waiting a while it is difficult."

Rodri added: "When you concede two goals in that amount of time, you feel the pressure and have to hurry. You don't have the coach to speak to you. Half-time was good to calm down and keep on with the team. Sometimes it is not about tactics, it is about talking with the lads, being patient. Sometimes you want to score the second before the