Manchester City's title hopes suffered a damaging blow following a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace this evening.

Glenn Murray gave the Eagles the lead in the first half with a close-range finish after Scott Dann's header was saved by Joe Hart.

They added a second minutes after the break when Jason Puncheon curled a free kick into the bottom corner.

A late strike from Yaya Toure reduced the deficit, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback as the Citizens stayed nine points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Here, Sports Mole rates the best and worst performances from Selhurst Park.

CRYSTAL PALACE:

Goal

Julian Speroni: Exceptional performance from the Palace number one. Made a string of vital saves, including a stunning late stop to tip away a deflected Toure strike. (8/10)

Defence

Joel Ward: Did not come under too much pressure down his side of the pitch, with City playing most of their football through the middle. He did have to watch out for the runs of Aguero and he helped to keep the Argentine quiet for long spells. (7/10)

Damien Delaney: Solid performance from the captain who made a number of vital challenges. Won his battle with Dzeko and was an inspiration for those around him. (8/10)

Scott Dann: Another Solid display from a Palace defender. He was strong in the tackle and he made an impact in the attack when his header was saved by Hart and slotted in by Murray. (7/10)

Martin Kelly: Restored to the starting lineup and repaid his manager's faith. He was solid at the back and almost helped to set up an early goal for Palace, with a brilliant low cross that Zaha put wide at the back post. (7/10)

Midfield

Joe Ledley: Sat deep as his side soaked up the pressure for most of the night. When the Eagles did receive possession, he used it well and he played a big part in the opening goal. (7/10)

James McArthur: Busy night in the midfield. Was pushed back by Silva and Toure throughout the match, but worked tirelessly for his side. (6/10)

Jason Puncheon: Did not see too much of the ball in a more forward role, but he scored the vital second goal for Palace with a free kick that gave Hart no chance. (7/10)

Attack

Wilfried Zaha: Should have given Palace the lead in the opening minute when he was found at the back post, but somehow turned his shot wide. He worked hard for the rest of the match and helped track back down his side of the pitch. (7/10)

Yannick Bolasie: Struggled to see any of the ball and was unable to make his usual impact. He tracked back well before being replaced by Souare in the final 10 minutes. (6/10)

Glenn Murray: Was the best player on the pitch. He worked tirelessly up front for Palace and kept up his good recent record in front of goal by giving Palace the lead. (8/10)

Substitutes

Pape Souare: Came on for Bolasie and helped to shore up the left side of the midfield. (6/10)

Dwight Gayle: Replaced Zaha with three minutes left and did not see any of the ball. (6/10)

Yaya Sanogo: Did not get much of a chance to impress after replacing Murray in the final minutes. (6/10)

MANCHESTER CITY:

Goal

Joe Hart: The England number one will be disappointed that he was unable to prevent the first goal, despite his complaints that it should have been disallowed. He can hardly be blamed for Puncheon's free kick, which was brilliantly placed by the Palace midfielder. (6/10)

Defence

Bacary Sagna: Quiet outing for the former Arsenal man. He did not get forward enough with his team on the attack and he was caught out for the opening goal. (6/10)

Vincent Kompany: Disappointing night yet again for the Belgian. He hardly covered himself in glory for Murray's goal and he struggled to contain the stiker throughout. (6/10)

Martin Demichelis: The Argentine also failed to deal with the threat of Murray and was booked for a poor challenge on the striker midway through the second half. (6/10)

Gael Clichy: Showed plenty of threat charging down the left and whipped in a couple of decent deliveries. He also defended well and handled the dangerous Zaha well. (6/10)

Midfield

Yaya Toure: Saw plenty of the ball as City completely dominated the midfield. He came close with a free kick that went inches over, before scoring a brilliant goal to give his side hope in the final minutes. (7/10)

Fernandinho: Gave away a poor foul at the start of the second half on Murray and from the resulting free kick Puncheon scored. He did have a couple of dangerous moments in the attack, with a shot that McArthur had to clear from under his own bar. (5/10)

David Silva: Was involved in everything good that City created going forward. He saw two decent efforts saved by Speroni in the second half and always looked a danger. (7/10)

Jesus Navas: Struggled to get into the game and had little impact. He was kept quiet by Kelly and was eventually replaced in the second half by Nasri. (5/10)

Attack

Sergio Aguero: Hit the post early on and looked a real threat for the Palace defenders, but he faded as the game wore on and barely had a sniff after the break. (6/10)

Edin Dzeko: Just like his strike partner Aguero, the Bosnian had a largely ineffective evening. He was not given enough support from his teammates and was replaced by Lampard shortly after the hour mark. (6/10)

Substitutes

James Milner: Was brought on with two minutes left to play and almost made an immediate impact with a brilliant low ball across the six-yard box that none of his teammates could take advantage of. (6/10)

Frank Lampard: Came on for Dzeko and saw plenty of the ball, without making any real impact. (6/10)

Samir Nasri: Replaced Navas late on and saw a couple of his strikes deflect wide of the post. (6/10)