What a player! – The Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne, who for a number of years has been the mainstay of Manchester City, was tonight Saturday back at the top as the dominant force against Crystal Palace.
Manchester City, who are fighting for a Champions League spot in the Premier League, welcomed Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday with an injured Erling Braut Haaland in the stands.
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Pep Guardiola made three changes from the Manchester derby: Rico Lewis, Nico González and James McAtee started instead of Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
Foden was surprisingly completely left out of the squad. It was unclear whether the absence was due to the derisive treatment of him and his mother by United fans in the previous game. According to Fabrizio Romano, the City star was “not 100% fit”.
Already when the match was decided, the Norwegian super talent Oscar Bobb got to come in.
In the 81st minute, Oscar Bobb got his second substitute this season, the Norwegian has been out almost all season with a broken leg he suffered just before the start of the season, he got five minutes against Leicester a few weeks ago this time he was up to ten minutes.
“Oscar Bobb, Bobb, Bobb,” sang the home fans when the 21-year-old entered the pitch. (It was nice, but he was in far too short to make a difference)
Palace shocked early
Crystal Palace took the lead as early as the 8th minute through Eberechi Eze, who put in a precise finish after a cross from Ismaila Sarr.
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- City are completely grounded and Palace are taking advantage of that,” said Sky Sports commentator Peter Smith.
- They’re starting to get used to how easily opponents get through their defense,” added Adam Bate.
Chris Richards made it 2-0 in the 21st minute with a goal from a corner, much to the frustration of Guardiola on the sidelines.
How Manchester City turned the game around
After trailing 0-2, the hosts put in an impressive upswing. Before the half-time whistle sounded, the score was 2-2.
First, Kevin De Bruyne, who has announced he is done at Manchester City after the season, put a perfect free-kick into the goal, before Omar Marmoush equalised a few minutes later.
Full dominance in the second half
In the second half, Manchester City were in complete control. The game had barely started before Kevin De Bruyne played in Mateo Kovacic for the 3-2 goal.
The 22-year-old James McAtee, who was given a rare starting spot, thanked for the trust in the 56th minute. City goalkeeper Ederson hit a long ball from his own box straight at a completely free McAtee, who took the ball down elegantly, rounded Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and made it 4-2.
Ederson had to leave the field shortly after with an injury.
With ten minutes left in the game, Nico O’Reilly put the final nail in the coffin with a great goal to make it 5-2.
The win over Crystal Palace sends Manchester City up to fourth place in the Premier League and thus keeps their Champions League dreams alive. Crystal Palace is in 11th place.
After the game, Manchester City fans agreed on one thing. “Give this man a new contract”
Kevin de Bruyne, who joined the club 10 years ago, has not been as good lately and his contract, which expires in a few weeks, will not be renewed. It is allowed to turn around.
