Manchester City's hopes of retaining the Premier League title were dealt another blow as Manuel Pellegrini's men limped to a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. Glenn Murray fired the Eagles ahead on 34 minutes with a close-range effort before Jason Puncheon scored a stunning free-kick to secure a 2-0 lead. Yaya Toure grabbed one back for the visitors, but it wasn't enough to stop City from losing further ground on league leaders Chelsea. Here, SportsMail's Sami Mokbel takes us through the key moments of the match. Thought Manchester City players didn't crowd referees, Manuel? Aggrieved at Michael Oliver's decision to let Glenn Murray's opener stand, City players were quick to surround the referee — delaying the restart. How will Pellegrini explain that one? Manuel pellegrini will struggle to defend his City players after they crowded referee Michael Oliver . Kompany gets up in the referee's face as the City captain shows his clear frustration at Selhurst Park . Palace fans weren't incredibly optimistic ahead of last night's clash. Here's why: City had recorded seven victories in a row against Palace. Alan Pardew's side had also failed to score in their last three league games against them. And to top it off, as Newcastle boss Pardew had lost his last eight league matches against City by an aggregate score of 23-3. Jason Puncheon's stunning free-kick helped Cyrstal Palace to a memorable win against Manchester City . Punchon celebrates his goal and is congratulated by Palace team-mate James McArthur (right) Wonder what FA chairman Greg Dyke made of Manchester City's starting XI yesterday. With James Milner and Frank Lampard on the bench, Manuel Pellegrini named a team without a single English outfield player for the 16th Premier League game this season. Former England midfielder Frank Lampard (pictured) and James Milner were left on the bench for City . But for goalkeeper Joe Hart, all of City's starting line-up against Crystal Palace were foreign players . Joel Ward made his 100th appearance for Palace on Monday night. Alan Pardew fears there may not be many more as the impasse over a new contract continues. Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward (left) tussles for the ball with City midfielder David Silva (right) Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew gives instructions to his players from the touchline at Selhurst Park .
Manchester City's hopes of retaining the Premier League title were dealt a hammer blow after a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace . Vincent Kompany and City players were visibly frustrated and the Belgian even manhandled referee Michael Oliver . Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon gave Palace a 2-0 lead before Yaya Toure scored what proved to be a consolation for City . For the 16th league game this season, City fielded a starting line-up with no English outfield players .