Manchester City, Chelsea Suffer Shock Home Losses

Andros Townsend scored a contender for goal of the season as Crystal Palace produced a shock with a 3-2 victory at Manchester City.

The result ended City’s 100 percent home record this season and means they will spend Christmas four points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

When Ilkay Gundogan gave the hosts the lead on 27 minutes, it looked like business as usual until Jeff Schlupp equalised five minutes later — and on 35 minutes, the visitors were ahead after Townsend rocketed a sensational volley into the top corner.

Pep Guardiola raced down the tunnel as soon as the half-time whistle was blown, but things got even worse after the interval as Luka Milivojevic slotted past Ederson from the penalty spot after Kyle Walker was adjudged to have brought down Max Meyer in the box.

Kevin De Bruyne pulled a goal back late on but, despite a late rally, they were unable to find an equaliser.

That wasn’t the only shock of the day as Chelsea were beaten 1-0 at home by Leicester.

Maurizio Sarri’s men had dominated possession in the early stages without finding a way past Kasper Schmeichel. Eden Hazard came close on 33 minutes but crashed his effort onto the bar as his search for a 100th Chelsea goal continued.

But, on 51 minutes, Jaime Vardy fired past Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the corner as Sarri’s men conceded for the first time at home since Nov. 4.