Kevin De Bruyne rolled back the years to haul Manchester City back from 2-0 down against Crystal Palace. A remarkable comeback in a Premier League thriller saw De Bruyne steal the show in a 5-2 triumph for Pep Guardiola‘s side.
Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards had put Palace two goals ahead. Eze was denied a third by a tight offside as the visitors took control at the Etihad Stadium. Had that goal counted, Palace would surely have gone on to seal a memorable victory and inflict an embarrassing defeat on the reigning champions.
However, De Bruyne then thrashed home a free kick and the 33-year-old’s strike dragged the momentum in City’s favour. He then headed the ball into Omar Marmoush’s path for the equaliser. Mateo Kovacic completed the turnaround a minute into the second half before James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly added gloss to the scoreline.
Read Express Sport’s player ratings below…
Ederson – 6
City’s goalkeeper was caught flapping nowhere near the ball as Richards headed in Palace’s second goal. A measly appeal for a free kick for some minor contact by Jean-Philippe Mateta was never going to absolve him. However, Ederson made up for the error with a fantastic pass to put James McAtee through on goal for City’s fourth. On a mixed day, Ederson then limped off injured.
Rico Lewis – 7
Many of City’s best moments came from Rico Lewis’s driving runs from deep positions. The England star is finding his groove after a tough second full season in senior football.
Ruben Dias – 5
Dias was weak and allowed Richards too much room to score. The Portuguese defender had little to do in the second half with Palace taking Mateta off at half-time.
Josko Gvardiol – 5
Gvardiol was also caught underneath the ball for Palace’s second but most of the blame will go to Ederson and Dias.
Nico O’Reilly – 8
The emergence of O’Reilly has been a highlight of City’s season. The converted left-back defended well and showed huge confidence to weave his way around a number of challenges. His side-footed finish to score City’s fifth was a reward for a fine display. This is another case of the City academy producing a top-class talent.
Nico Gonzalez – 6
Gonzalez kept City ticking in midfield and broke up many of Palace’s most threatening attacks.
Mateo Kovacic – 8
A deserved goal capped an excellent performance by Kovacic. If De Bruyne was the headline act, Kovacic did an excellent job in a supporting role.
James McAtee – 6
McAtee drifted in and out of the game. He missed a couple of excellent chances but benefitted from Ederson’s fantastic pass, with the midfielder rounding Dean Henderson before tapping into an empty net.
Kevin De Bruyne – 9
This was a throwback to prime De Bruyne at his very best. He struck the post with Palace still leading 2-0 and that marked the moment the momentum of the game swung in City’s favour. De Bruyne then thrashed a free kick in via Henderson’s post. He created the most chances in the match with three.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Gundogan played his part in a big win, featuring in a more advanced role than usual.
Omar Marmoush – 7
Marmoush was guilty of missing a couple of key chances but did eventually score his goal by firing in the equaliser. The January signing has been an excellent addition and has stepped into Erling Haaland‘s shoes very well.
Substitutes
Stefan Ortega (for Ederson, ’71) – 7
Ortega made an excellent intervention to deny Matheus Franca’s cross from finding Ismaila Sarr.
Oscar Bobb (for Marmoush, ’82) – N/A
It is positive to see the talented Bobb back from a horrible injury he suffered at the start of the season.
Savinho (for McAtee, ’82) – N/A
Had little impact after replacing McAtee.
Jack Grealish (for Kovacic, ’88) – N/A
City comfortably saw out the game after Grealish’s introduction.
Jeremy Doku (for De Bruyne, ’88) – N/A
Doku can thank the man he replaced for giving him an easy job in helping City see through a 5-2 win in the final few moments.
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