Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City: Kevin de Bruyne shines as defending champions maintain title challenge

Manchester Metropolis maintained their title problem in ruthless trend as “unbelievable” Kevin de Bruyne claimed his one centesimal aim for the membership in a comeback victory at Crystal Palace.

Mateta raced on to a move from Adam Wharton and slotted the ball contained in the far nook in solely the third minute as noise erupted from the stands at Selhurst Park.

However De Bruyne’s curling effort was a chic equaliser simply 10 minutes later and, with a starring position for the remainder of the sport, Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola mentioned their success was because of his “unbelievable” qualities.

“For a few years he has been among the best gamers for our membership,” Guardiola instructed BBC Sport.

“What he has carried out in England has been unbelievable. Many objectives, assists and consistency. We had 4 or 5 months with out him and now we’d like him on the finish of the season.

“I feel he likes to attain objectives however I do not know if he enjoys it extra to make an help. He’s so beneficiant with that – however he has to proceed.”

Palace’s Jordan Ayew additionally struck the crossbar as Oliver Glasner’s facet confirmed loads of attacking menace however they have been undone within the second half.

Having earlier made a vital cease to disclaim Erling Haaland ending off a intelligent De Bruyne through-ball, Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was unable to dam Rico Lewis’ strike inside two minutes of the second half.

The defending champions then took management as De Bruyne teed up Haaland once more and this time the Norwegian striker completed, earlier than the Belgian added a fourth – marking his century of objectives for Metropolis since becoming a member of in 2015 – with a ferocious first-time shot.

Substitute Odsonne Edouard slotted in a late comfort for Palace however this was one other essential victory for Guardiola’s facet in an enthralling three-way title race.

Metropolis moved degree on factors with leaders Liverpool, who go to Manchester United on Sunday, whereas Arsenal face Brighton in a while Saturday.

Foden rested however De Bruyne steps up for Metropolis

With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final tie towards Actual Madrid, Guardiola made 4 modifications to the Metropolis facet, with Phil Foden dropped to the bench simply days after scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

However in got here De Bruyne and Haaland – and each made their mark to gasoline Metropolis’s cost for an unprecedented fourth successive league title.

Palace, nonetheless discovering their toes below new boss Glasner, confirmed loads of optimistic indicators, significantly within the first half as their defensive resilience and organisation stored the guests at bay.

They have been boosted by the return of Michael Olise off the bench after lacking seven video games by way of damage, and the full of life Edouard went shut earlier than he squeezed house a pleasant close-range end 4 minutes from time.

“I am not happy with the end result however I noticed many optimistic issues in our efficiency,” mentioned Glasner.

“Once we lose 4-2, I do not like to speak about optimistic issues, however in phases of the sport we might compete. It exhibits we’re in a position to create probabilities – however in fact once you concede 4 objectives, you lose.”

Metropolis have been too sturdy ultimately and, whereas Guardiola was in a position to relaxation Foden and Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne stepped as much as present his high quality and declare his landmark aim after an injury-plagued season.

In one other increase, defender John Stones managed to play the complete match upon his return after being injured on England obligation.

Palace have proved a tricky opponent for Metropolis prior to now – they got here from 2-0 down to attract 2-2 on the Etihad in December – so this was a significant victory for Guardiola’s facet to maintain the stress on Liverpool and Arsenal.

Participant of the match

De BruyneKevin De Bruyne

Crystal Palace

1. Squad quantity30Participant identifyHenderson

2. Squad quantity14Participant identifyMateta

3. Squad quantity20Participant identifyA Wharton

4. Squad quantity7Participant identifyOlise

5. Squad quantity22Participant identifyÉdouard

6. Squad quantity9Participant identifyJ Ayew

7. Squad quantity2Participant identifyWard

8. Squad quantity10Participant identifyEze

9. Squad quantity12Participant identifyMuñoz

10. Squad quantity8Participant identifyLerma

11. Squad quantity16Participant identifyAndersen

12. Squad quantity15Participant identifySchlupp

13. Squad quantity19Participant identifyHughes

14. Squad quantity3Participant identifyMitchell

15. Squad quantity29Participant identifyAhamada

16. Squad quantity17Participant identifyClyne