Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has defended teammate Luka Milivojevic after his penalty blunder against Manchester City.

The Eagles held Manchester City to a goalless draw and pick up a vital point, but it was very nearly all three, only for Luka Milivojevic's penalty to be saved.

"At the end of it we were disappointed not to win the game, and that's the crazy thing about football," Townsend told the Croydon Advertiser.

"It is difficult to repeatedly take penalties now in the Premier League nowadays," said Townsend.

"Goalkeepers have so much data before the game, whether a player goes this side or that side.

"So, Luka has scored three or four for us, he missed one this time but I am sure when the next penalty comes along he will be the first person to put himself forward."