Manchester City’s hard-fought 0–0 draw against Crystal Palace not only ended their remarkable 18-match winning streak, but also saw two key players — Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne — leave the field due to injuries. The intensity of the English Premier League was on full display, reminding fans how physical football can be, much like the high-stakes intensity of a crucial BD Cricket Match that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
In the post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola confirmed the injury updates and didn’t mince words. “Gabriel is injured,” said the City manager. “He could be out for a month, maybe two.” While Jesus’s condition appeared serious, De Bruyne’s injury seemed less severe. “Kevin was lucky. It’s not as bad as it looked, but he might miss our next game in two days against Watford,” Guardiola noted with a hint of concern.
But the bigger message from the City boss was directed at the officials. “I’m asking the referees — they have to protect the players,” Guardiola stated firmly. “We were lucky in the matches against Tottenham and Newcastle where no one got injured. But today, we weren’t so lucky. The replays speak for themselves. The Premier League is known for its physicality, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore dangerous play.”
His call for greater protection came after a string of recent matches where challenges flew in hard and fast. Guardiola emphasized that it’s not just Manchester City at risk — all teams are vulnerable. “If the top players are constantly at risk, it affects the whole game. We need referees to step in before things get worse.”
City’s draw meant they fell just one win short of matching Guardiola’s personal record of 19 consecutive wins during his time at Bayern Munich. Still, he remains optimistic. “We’ve already made history by setting the Premier League record with 18 straight wins. Now our goal is to break it.”
Currently sitting atop the Premier League table with 59 points, Manchester City hold a commanding 14-point lead over second-placed Chelsea. That cushion gives them breathing room, but Guardiola remains focused. Like players heading into a must-win BD Cricket Match, City knows the race isn’t over — and every decision, every injury, and every referee’s call could shape the final outcome. The road ahead may be tough, but as the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” — and City will look to live up to that mantra.