The 2018-19 Premier League season finally saw a big underdog come out on top, as Crystal Palace upset Manchester City, 3-1, at the Etihad Stadium.
Palace were +1870 on the moneyline, meaning a $100 bet would've netted $1,870 for anyone brave enough to take the flier.
This marks the biggest Premier League upset in our Bet Labs database (going back to 2012). Teams closing +1870 or higher had won zero times in 42 previous matches.
After going down 1-0 in the first half, Crystal Palace quickly responded to tie it 1-1. With nearly 60 minutes left in the match, an upset still looked unlikely.
Then came the strike from Palace midfielder Andros Townsend.
⚽ GOAL Crystal Palace!
Andros Townsend thunders in a volley from long distance to go up 2-1.
Upset in the making? Crystal Palace closed +1870 on the moneyline.pic.twitter.com/AS9imU499i
— Action Network Soccer (@ActionNetSoccer) December 22, 2018
This incredible strike put Palace up, 2-1, heading into halftime, and had fans and bettors believing they could actually pull it off.
Crystal Palace were even listed at +1050 on the first half moneyline, a nice little payout for anyone who took the shot.
At this point, bettors on Manchester City moneyline (84% of tickets) and goal-line (71%) were feeling nervous, but the home side was still controlling the game. A game-tying goal would surely come in due time, as well as a game-winning goal.
Right?
Not so much. Early in the second half Crystal Palace added to their lead to make it 3-1, and you could sense the anxiety pulsing throughout the stadium.
Chances and shots would ensue but only one goal. Game over: Crystal Palace 3, Manchester City 2.
