Kevin De Bruyne produced a masterful performance as Manchester City roared back from two goals down to defeat Crystal Palace 5-2 in a thrilling Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 12th. The victory significantly boosts City’s hopes of Champions League qualification but was tempered by an injury to goalkeeper Ederson.
City, coming off an underwhelming goalless draw in the Manchester derby, were stunned early on as Palace raced into a 2-0 lead through Eberechi Eze’s close-range finish from Ismaila Sarr’s cross and a Chris Richards goal following an error by Ederson from a corner.
The visitors thought they had a third when Eze scored again, but the goal was narrowly ruled out for offside by the new semi-automated technology being used in the Premier League for the first time – a pivotal moment in the match.
Facing the prospect of another damaging result, outgoing captain De Bruyne dragged his side back into the contest. In the 33rd minute, he deceived Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a superb free-kick that curled in off the post. Omar Marmoush then leveled the scores before halftime, crashing home from close range after De Bruyne’s knock-back wasn’t fully cleared.
City took the lead just a minute into the second half when Mateo Kovačić drove home De Bruyne’s clever lay-off. James McAtee, making his first Premier League start, then scored his first goal in the competition, latching onto Ederson’s long punt downfield, rounding Henderson, and finishing calmly.
Nico O’Reilly completed the scoring with a deflected effort, ensuring City scored five goals in a home Premier League game for the first time this season.
The victory lifts Pep Guardiola’s side back into fourth place, applying pressure to rivals Chelsea and Newcastle in the tight race for the Champions League spots.
De Bruyne’s Masterclass
In one of his final appearances at the Etihad before his contract expires this summer, De Bruyne delivered a performance reminiscent of his peak years. His goal, assists (directly for Kovačić, indirectly for Marmoush), and overall influence were crucial to City’s turnaround. He received a deserved standing ovation when substituted.
Concerns for Both Sides
Despite the emphatic scoreline, City suffered a blow when Ederson was forced off with a leg injury in the second half, replaced by Stefan Ortega. For Palace, manager Oliver Glasner will be concerned by his team’s collapse after such a promising start, despite their recent good form. They now turn their attention to an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on April 26th. De Bruyne City
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