"If We Meet Again, You Can’t" – Glasner Warns Pep After Man City’s 5-2 Win Over Palace

Manchester City pulled off another strong comeback on Saturday beating Crystal Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium. But while City fans left the ground smiling, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner had something to say that might stick in the minds of many.

Despite watching his team throw away a two-goal lead Glasner seemed full of confidence after the match. In fact, he had a message for Pep Guardiola himself.

It didn’t start well for the Premier League champions. After just 21 minutes, Palace were 2-0 up and flying. They even thought they had a third goal when Eberechi Eze — a player City reportedly admire — scored again, only for it to be ruled offside by the smallest of margins.

That offside call may have been the turning point. From then on, City woke up. By the 37th minute, it was 2-2, with Kevin De Bruyne once again leading the charge. In the second half, City took full control and showed why they’re still one of the best teams in Europe, scoring three more to make it 5-2.

Even though the final score looked comfortable, the early moments of the match showed just how dangerous Palace can be especially under Glasner.

After the match, Glasner didn’t shy away from a bold prediction. He revealed what he told Guardiola after the final whistle.

“If we meet again,” he said, “you can’t play in this system, because we will solve it.”

It’s a strong statement, especially after a defeat. But this isn’t the first time Glasner’s team has caused problems for City.

Saturday’s game was the third time Glasner faced Guardiola and every time, his team managed to score multiple goals. Last season, Palace took the lead at Selhurst Park but eventually lost 4-2. Earlier this season, they drew 2-2 with City, taking the lead twice with goals from Daniel Munoz — who City are interested in — and Maxence Lacroix.

And again on Saturday, Palace went 2-0 up before City responded.

So while Glasner hasn’t beaten Pep yet, he’s certainly found ways to make life difficult for him.

Despite the early scare, Manchester City’s quality was too much. Before the match, Crystal Palace had the best away defensive record in the league — just 12 goals conceded all season. So for City to score five past them shows just how dangerous this team can be when everything clicks.

Guardiola went with a 4-2-3-1 setup, bringing back Nico Gonzalez and giving youngster James McAtee a start on the right wing. And once De Bruyne got going, City looked unstoppable.

City fans might not have to wait long to see Palace again. Both teams are in the FA Cup semi-finals. If Palace beat Aston Villa and City defeat Nottingham Forest, the two sides will face each other at Wembley in the final.

Glasner clearly believes his team has what it takes to beat City — especially if they meet again soon.

For now, City fans can enjoy a strong win and a great attacking performance. But if a rematch happens at Wembley, Guardiola will know not to take Glasner’s words lightly.