Gary Lineker opinion on Aymeric Laporte red card for Manchester City v Crystal Palace

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Manchester City fell to a shock 2-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s charges went into the game eager to bounce back from their disappointing midweek Carabao Cup exit.

Prior to their penalty shootout defeat to West Ham, Manchester City had been on a run of three straight wins across all competitions.

But things continued to go wrong against Palace, who took the lead after just six minutes.

Conor Gallagher played Wilfried Zaha in down the left on the counter, and the 28-year-old found the far corner of Ederson’s net.

And just before half time, there was a hugely controversial moment as Aymeric Laporte was sent off.

The 27-year-old dragged down Zaha 40 yards from goal and referee Andre Marriner deemed him to be the last man.

Here is what Gary Lineker made of the incident:

Likewise, Tim Sherwood also thought it was a harsh decision.

“I think it’s harsh – he’s 40 yards from goal,” he said on Sky Sports.

“I think there were enough players on the cover.”

Things would get worse in the second half, with Palace making sure of all three points late on.

Two minutes from time, Zaha held the ball up for Michael Olise, who rolled it across for Gallagher to smash home off the post.

The result means City are now five points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who ran out 3-0 winners at Newcastle.