Townsend hit a stunning 30-yard strike as Palace won 3-2 to leave the champions four points off Liverpool.

City earned a record 100 points as they won the title last season.

"I have never played against a team as good as them, especially at home," said Townsend.

"It is impossible to get the ball off them."

City have already lost two Premier League games this season - the same amount as in their entire 2017-18 league campaign.

"We knew if we were going to get anything it was going to have to be a perfect disciplined performance and it saw us to a well-needed three points," said Townsend.

Palace are now six points above the relegation zone after a fifth win of the season.

Townsend's goal put Palace 2-1 up at Etihad Stadium - an effort many think could win goal of the season.

Townsend said: "Having watched it back it's probably the cleanest strike of my career and probably the best. It sat up nicely for me and as soon as it left my foot I knew it had a chance."