Tony Pulis believes bad luck was a key factor in City's disappointing 2-1 defeat against Play-Off hopefuls Crystal Palace.

The Potters were guilty of missing a hatful of chances, with Tom Soares and Jose Fonte firing the visitors in to a 2-0 half time lead.

Glenn Whelan spectacularly halved the deficit in the second half before squandering a number of chances to pick up a point.

Speaking following the game, Pulis says: "We didn't have the luck we needed tonight.

"The header from Mamady which hit the inside of the post would have gone in a couple of weeks ago, but it just didn't drop for us tonight.

"We had lots of chances to get back in the game but it just wouldn't go in.

"I saw enough from the lads to keep me confident for the final four games. The second half I thought we bombarded them but like I said it just wouldn't drop for us."