Why Aston Villa’s Draw at Palace Felt Like a Setback

Last night felt like a missed opportunity that will linger longer than it should. An away draw at Selhurst Park is not a disaster in isolation, but context matters, Crystal Palace came into this one out of form, a side that knows exactly how to frustrate Aston Villa. Bogey teams are only bogey teams if you allow them to be.

What makes it harder to swallow is what happened elsewhere. Manchester City dropped points at home against Brighton, a rare stumble, the kind of result you dream of when you are chasing the very best.