In a game so tight and congested the pace of Jesus Navas is proving to be a real outlet for Manchester City. Again he gets around the back of the defence but again his cross is well cut out. A second goal for the hosts would put the game to bed.

Clumsy challenge from James Milner down by the corner flag but he escapes a booking. You can't see any way back into the game for Palace at the moment, City look comfortable enough now they have found a way ahead. They scored with their first effort on target.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield
BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

Image source, EPA

"Jesus Navas has been getting the ball in the box much faster and more accurately in this second half. I felt he was too slow to cross it earlier. Palace have been in it from the start and are are still in this. They'll be hoping to win a few more free-kicks and corners because they always look likely to get a head on the ball."

Very direct from Jesus Navas as he drives past two defenders and puts over a testing early cross, James Milner is sniffing at the front post but excellent defending from Scott Dann hooks it out.

Image source, AFP

Crystal Palace have scored 19 goals in 16 Premier League games this season, but they need at least one more to get anything out of this game now. They do have attacking options on the bench, and Yannick Bolasie continues to threaten.

Former England captain Jimmy Armfield
BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"City have started the second half with real purpose, but that is real bad luck from Palace's point of view. Julian Speroni had no chance (see 49 mins). David Silva's shot didn't have much power, it caught Scott Dann on the way, but he will claim it."

Does that goal open the game up? Will Crystal Palace have to change their shape? It was a great move, not for the first time. Another one instantly sees Yaya Toure drill in a shot over the bar.

Image source, Reuters

Manchester City get a slice of luck but it's another brilliant move to carve Palace apart. Fernandinho frees Pablo Zabaleta on another rampaging run, this time he doesn't shoot but instead lays it off to David Silva, his shot takes a giant deflection off Scott Dann and loops into the net. Relief at the Etihad.

Image source, AFP

Great beard, great clearance! Palace midfielder Joe Ledley does superbly to turn the ball over his own crossbar after a teasing cross form the left. High tempo opening from City.

Ian Halliwell: City do have young strikers coming through, but the best are out on loan being developed. It is not a lack of youth

Tom Holmes: 8 shots, 0 on target. Says it all really. City need a clinical edge and at the moment they're really struggling to find one

Pablo de Roman: As a Chelsea fan, I will be gutted if Lampard saves Man City by scoring again. He should sit this one out methinks

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Here we go, the sides are out, looks like no changes for either side. Under way.

Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder

"Manchester City are having a laugh here, false number nine at home to Crystal Palace? They must have a good youngster in the ranks they could give a chance."

Paul, Wolverhampton: Why don't City recall John Guidetti from Celtic? He is supposed to be the future

Mike Wilshaw: The real difference between City and United (Michal, 35 mins) is that United spend 180m in a transfer window and still struggle to create any coherence or consistency

James in London: City fans seem to be joining in the festivities with hundreds of empty seat costumes!

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Into the last 20 minutes in the east midlands, Bradley Johnson sees a shot deflected just wide for Norwich. Derby will go top of the league if they can hang on.

Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon
Football Focus

"Southampton will try not to change things too much. If it was working before it will come again. Ronald Koeman is not one to panic, and in some of the games they have lost they have been the better team - think of the home game with Manchester United. There's not a lot wrong with them, but I have to say I did not see the result against Sheffield United in the League Cup coming."

Image source, AFP

A mince pie with no icing so far from City. Lots to admire - but not one effort on target. Could Frank Lampard dig them out of bother again?

Paul Harris: The real City is revealed - a billion spent on the first team and obviously no youth strikers coming through at all

Mike Humph: Nice and easy on the eye from City but even easier to defend against. Need the late runs from Lampard on at Half Time

Nick: City playing the Mince pie formation today (Lots of great things mixed together)

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Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator

"It is three months since Leicester City last won in the Premier League, so it's no surprise that they're bottom of the table and five points adrift of safety.

"But just look at what's happened at West Ham. The board ignored the fans' discontent at boss Sam Allardyce, and he has got them promoted, established them in the Premier League and now has them sitting fourth in the table.

"The message is clear: if you've got a good manager, give him some time to ride through the inevitable hard times."

Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"When Burnley had taken just four points and scored five goals in their first 10 games of the season, you'd have got very long odds indeed on them being out of the relegation zone seven weeks later.

"It's no coincidence that this upturn has coincided with the return to fitness of Danny Ings, but let's not overlook the contribution of Ings' current strike partner Ashley Barnes.

"Spurs' equivalent to Barnes is Harry Kane. Some observers doubt whether Kane has the pace and subtlety required to become a really top striker at this level, others say he's the future of Spurs and maybe England."