text: Manchester City's grip on the Barclays Premier League title was loosened further after a controversial Glenn Murray goal put Crystal Palace on the way to a 2-1 victory. Murray fired Palace ahead in the first half, despite both he and Scott Dann appearing to be offside, and Jason Puncheon crashed in a superb second to deal what looks to be a fatal blow to City's already slim hopes of retaining their crown. The fading champions pulled one back through Yaya Toure but are now nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea, having slipped to fourth place. Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray (left) celebrates after opening the scoring against Manchester City . Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1) Julian Speroni 7 . Made two good saves of David Silva efforts in the first half and marshalled his defence well. Joel Ward 6 . Has not been out of team all season, made his 100th appearance last night and was reliable as always. Scott Dann 6.5 . Phil Neville thinks he’s up there with the best centre backs in the division. Certainly underrated on the evidence of this game, he made a few vital interceptions and played part in the goal. Manchester City appealed for offside but Murray's first-half goal stood on Monday night . Damien Delaney 6 . Picked up a booking for cutting down Aguero but otherwise solid. Martin Kelly 6 . A lovely low ball into the penalty area in the second minute to almost set up a Palace goal if Zaha could have converted. Joe Ledley 6.5 . Put his body on the line to resist a City onslaught in the first half. James McArthur 8 . A superb, full hearted performance by the midfielder who made several vital clearances. Joe Hart appeals to the officials as Murray celebrates after putting Palace ahead . Wilfried Zaha 6.5 . Should have put Palace ahead in the second minute but sliced shot high and wide of the target . Yannick Bolasie 6 . Might not be renowned for his defending but made an excellent first half tackle on Yaya Toure when the midfielder looked ominous . Jason Puncheon 7.5 . His curling free kick to double Palace’s lead was superb, worked tirelessly and made an important first half tackle on Toure. Glenn Murray 8.5 . Against the run of play does not do justice to his 35th minute tap in but it was his fifth in as many games and he was a constant threat in the air, too. Very lucky to get away with a blatant handball. Subs . Sanogo 83, Souare 84 and Gayle 88 . Manager . Alan Pardew 8 . Is making Newcastle’s decision to get rid of him seem even more ridiculous with every passing game. Set up his side to defend deep and try do some damage on the counter attack. 19 points from 10 games. Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure (right) hammers home the equaliser . Manchester City (4-4-2) Joe Hart 6 . Was tested just once in the opening half . Bacary Sagna 6.5 . Right back 300th premier league appearance . Vincent Kompany 6 . Seemed distracted by feelings of injustice after the Palace goal which he deemed to be offside . City striker Sergio Aguero could not find a way through a steadfast Palace defence . Martin Demichelis 6 . Rightly booked for a hefty challenge on Glenn Murray . Gael Clichy 5.5 . He and Sagna struggled to deal with the pace of Bolasie and Zaha and offered little in attack. Jesus Navas 5 . Another game where too many of his passes routinely went astray and replaced by Nasri before the Toure goal. Will have to reassess his pre-match comment that City were still title contenders. Fernandinho 6 . Made a senseless and unnecessary challenge on Glenn Murray to give away the free kick which led to the second goal. City midfielder Fernandinho failed to sparkle at Selhurst Park . Yaya Toure 7 . Was quiet in the opening half and twice prompted wolf whistles with his shots high into the stands at Selhurst Park but his goal was an absolute scorcher. David Silva 7.5 . City’s best man, hungry for the ball and characteristically intelligent passing. Forced a couple of saves from Speroni in the first half. Edin Dzeko 5 . A quiet game for the striker who seemed furious at his manager at being replaced by Lampard after 66 minutes but surely he could have no complaints? The pressure is mounting on Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini . Sergio Aguero 6 . Expert at finding space in a crowded penalty box and hit the post in the first half, just could not find a way through a steadfast Palace defence. Subs . Lampard 66 - 5.5, Nasri 77 and Milner 88. Manager . Manuel Pellegrini 5 . Manchester’s premier home removal firms might look to clear some space in their diary around the end of May because surely his time at the Etihad is limited. Referee . Michael Oliver 5.5 . A mixed game for the youngest referee in the Barclay’s Premier League. He does not lack cojones, backing up his linesman who was probably right to rule Scott Dann and Glenn Murray onside for the goal and dealt well with the excessive protestations of City players. But he missed an obvious Glenn Murray handball in the second half. Samir Nasri gives a thumbs up despite Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Palace .
target: Glenn Murray was man of the match and scored fifth goal in five games .
  Midfielder James McArthur also put in a superb, full hearted performance .
  Manuel Pellegrini's time is surely up after another disappointing defeat .
  CLICK HERE to read Neil Ashton's match report .