“HE LET THEM DOWN” — Alan Shearer BLASTS Crystal Palace STAR AFTER NIGHTMARE DISPLAY AT THE Etihad Stadium
Alan Shearer did not hold back in his criticism after Crystal Palace suffered a frustrating and disappointing outing against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Following the heavy scrutiny that surrounded the match, the former Premier League striker singled out Palace defender Daniel Muñoz for what he described as a “woeful” and “unacceptable” performance during one of the club’s toughest fixtures of the season.
The clash against the reigning champions was always expected to be a difficult test for Palace, but supporters were left furious by the manner in which the team collapsed defensively during key moments of the match. While several Palace players struggled to cope with City’s relentless pressure, Shearer believed Daniel Muñoz’s display stood out for all the wrong reasons.
Speaking during his post-match analysis, Shearer claimed the Colombian international failed to deal with the intensity of the occasion and repeatedly made costly decisions that placed his teammates under pressure. The Newcastle United legend suggested that performances of that standard are simply not acceptable at Premier League level, especially against elite opposition like Manchester City.
“Shearer’s frustration was obvious,” one pundit noted after the broadcast. “He looked genuinely shocked by some of the defending and clearly felt Palace were let down by experienced players who should have done far better.”
Throughout the game, Manchester City dominated possession and constantly targeted the Palace backline with quick movement and aggressive attacking play. Muñoz found himself overwhelmed at times as City exploited spaces down the flank, leaving Palace vulnerable whenever they attempted to recover possession. Fans inside the stadium and across social media quickly began voicing their disappointment, with many questioning whether the defender had endured one of his worst games since arriving in England.
The criticism intensified after Palace conceded during a crucial spell in the second half. Several supporters pointed directly at Muñoz’s positioning and awareness, arguing that his mistakes disrupted the defensive shape and handed City too much freedom in dangerous areas. While Palace manager Oliver Glasner attempted to defend his squad after the match, pundits were far less forgiving.
Shearer went even further by suggesting that Crystal Palace may need to make difficult decisions during the summer transfer window if they want to continue progressing under Glasner. According to the former England captain, the club cannot afford to carry players who consistently struggle in high-pressure matches.
His comments immediately sparked debate among fans. Some supporters agreed with the harsh assessment, insisting Palace need stronger defensive options if they are to compete consistently against the Premier League’s top sides. Others, however, argued that singling out one player after facing Manchester City was unfair given the quality of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite the criticism, Daniel Muñoz still retains strong backing from sections of the Palace fanbase due to his energy, commitment, and previous performances this season. However, there is no denying that the defeat at the Etihad has increased pressure on several members of the squad heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
For Palace supporters, the hope will now be that the team responds positively and quickly moves on from a painful evening against one of the toughest opponents in world football. But after Shearer’s explosive comments, the spotlight will remain firmly on Daniel Muñoz for the foreseeable future.