article_snippet.sent: Fading Manchester City Manchester City had to watch in frustration on Saturday, not only as Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League, but as Arsenal and Manchester United shunted their down to fourth.
article_snippet.sent: Slipping to such a position was not in the script when Manchester City pulled level with Chelsea on New Year's Day and any further slips would increase the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini significantly.
article_snippet.sent: With the Manchester derby coming next week, Manchester City can ill afford to drop points at Selhurst Park on Monday but Manuel Pellegrini knows the Eagles have become a tough proposition under Alan Pardew.
article_snippet.sent: Manchester City laboured to a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in December in what proved Neil Warnock's penultimate match in charge.
article_snippet.sent: Manchester City players celebrate scoring against West Bromwich Albion in Manchester City players last match .
article_snippet.sent: It has not turned out that way with Saturday's positive results for Chelsea, Arsenal and United turning the heat up on Manchester City, but Manuel Pellegrini claims it does not make any difference.
highlights_snippet.sent: Manchester City face Crystal Palace on Monday night at Selhurst Park .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Manchester City remain nine points behind Chelsea in the Premier League .
  