Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been handed a boost in his hopes of staying in the job, according to reports.
Speculation has been rife over the Chilean's position at the Etihad after they fell nine points behind Chelsea in the Premier League title race and crashed out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage.
Defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night left them languishing in fourth place following victories for both Arsenal and Manchester United over the weekend, intensifying the rumours over Pellegrini's future.
The champions, who have also played a game more than leaders Chelsea, have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions and look set to end the season without silverware.
However, PA reports that City are not considering getting rid of the 61-year-old before the end of the season, when his performance will be reviewed.
Pellegrini is contracted until the end of next season and insisted after the defeat to Palace that he did not fear for his job.
City take on local rivals Manchester United in the derby on Sunday knowing that another defeat at Old Trafford would leave them four points behind the Red Devils with only six games remaining.
Barney Corkhill
