How Crystal Palace’s 3–0 defeat to Man City proved Glasner right about January transfer needs

Crystal Palace missed the chance to climb back into the Champions League places as they fell to a 3–0 defeat to Manchester City at Selhurst Park — a result that underlined Oliver Glasner’s belief that the squad urgently needs reinforcements in January. Despite an energetic and at times courageous display, Palace were punished by City’s ruthless finishing, with Erling Haaland’s brace and Phil Foden’s strike extending Pep Guardiola’s winning run and closing the gap on Arsenal.

The loss was not reflective of the performance. Palace created more xG (2.08) than City (1.19), hit the woodwork twice, and produced 16 shots to City’s seven. Glasner’s side generated enough chances to take something from the match but lacked the killer edge City so consistently show.
What the defeat did reveal, however, was exactly why Glasner has been calling for depth — especially out wide — ahead of a demanding winter schedule.

Palace began confidently despite City dominating early possession. Their defensive shape frustrated Haaland, who had just two touches in the box before his 41st-minute opener. When Yeremy Pino struck the bar from an Adam Wharton pass, Palace looked capable of landing the first blow.

Wharton himself impressed once again, unlucky to see a low drive cannon off the post moments after half-time. With Ismaila Sarr back from injury and constantly attacking space, Palace repeatedly pushed City into uncomfortable positions — but they lacked precision in the final moment.

Meanwhile, City needed only two shots on target in the first half to take control. It was a reminder of the difference between elite efficiency and promising potential.

Having followed Palace closely this season, this defeat crystallised what Glasner has been warning about for weeks: Palace simply do not have enough depth in key attacking roles. Losing Daniel Muñoz until the new year and Sarr to AFCON leaves them without their two most explosive transition outlets.

Although some argue Palace can rely on Eddie Nketiah, Pino, and Wharton to carry the load, it’s worth asking whether those players can sustain high output over a congested period without rotation. This squad is competitive, well-drilled, and improving — but thin in areas that Glasner’s system depends on.

City, by contrast, punished Palace with the kind of clinical moments only squads with elite depth can produce. Palace played well enough to earn a result; the problem wasn’t structure, effort, or ideas — it was availability and sharpness in the right zones.

In our view, Palace entering the January window for wide reinforcements isn’t just logical — it’s essential if they want to stay in the top-four conversation.

Palace’s fixture load doesn’t get easier. With Sarr heading to AFCON and Muñoz still sidelined, Glasner will need immediate answers before the schedule tightens. The recruitment team are already exploring wide players who can offer pace and 1v1 threat — profiles crucial to the system.

If Palace can add even one ready-made winger, the second half of the season could look very different.

👉 Palace fans — which forward or winger would you want the club to target in January?