Manchester City slip to a 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace, a fourth straight away defeat and one that deals a potentially terminal blow to their hopes of retaining the title. City are now fourth, nine points off Chelsea’s lead. The side expected to provide the sternest challenge for Jose Mourinho’s team are ending the season with a whimper rather than a bang. Last season saw one of the closest title races on record. This season – with seven games still to go – is it already done and dusted?