It looks like Man City will find it difficult to repeat their success last season. his current performance suddenly decreased. don't know for sure but it looks like it started when facing Chelsea with a score of 4-4. something is missing from Man City's midfield and defense. or maybe the opponent has started to easily anticipate Pep's strategy. they still dominate the match but they concede very often too.
There is still time to catch up on the points difference. but it depends on how quickly they wake up and give their best again.
Man City's situation is not that bad. their game does look more open. it creates several gaps in the midfield and defense there are opportunities for the opponent to apply pressure. that made them finish the match with some pretty big scores. like when facing Tottenham also with a score of 3-3. and now facing Crystal Palace they have to be satisfied with a draw. something unexpected but it happened now.
Maybe this is also part of the decline in player performance due to the tight competition that Man City has to compete in. not only in the EPL and UCL. They also have to play in the League Cup, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. Pep may have to think about how to rotate their players so they don't get tired.