Manchester City roared back from a two-goal deficit to dismantle Crystal Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Kevin De Bruyne producing a sensational performance to revive their Champions League hopes.
City were staring down the barrel of a damaging defeat after Palace stunned them with early goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards. The visitors capitalized on City’s defensive frailties, with Eze slotting in a low cross from Ismaila Sarr in the 6th minute, followed by Richards heading home after a misjudged clearance from Ederson in the 21st.
However, in his first home appearance since announcing his departure at the end of the season, De Bruyne reminded fans of his brilliance. The Belgian maestro, who has struggled with injuries recently, led a rousing City fightback with a thunderous free-kick goal in the 33rd minute, having already struck the woodwork moments earlier.
City’s resurgence was swift. Just three minutes later, Omar Marmoush — a January signing from Eintracht Frankfurt — equalised with a composed finish following a chaotic build-up involving De Bruyne, McAtee, and Gundogan.
City then surged ahead two minutes after the break when Mateo Kovacic powered in a low drive from the edge of the box, perfectly teed up by De Bruyne after a smooth passing move initiated by Ilkay Gundogan and Nico O’Reilly.
Youngster James McAtee, making his first Premier League start after 12 appearances off the bench, extended the lead in the 56th minute. Latching onto a long clearance from Ederson, McAtee sprinted clear of the Palace defence, rounded the goalkeeper, and coolly slotted into the net.
The demolition job was completed in the 79th minute by 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly, who smashed home his first league goal for City with a crisp volley from the edge of the area.
Despite the emphatic win, City’s joy was tempered by an injury to goalkeeper Ederson, who had to be substituted in the second half. Manager Pep Guardiola, though, remained optimistic, stating earlier in the week that City’s “spirit” had returned after a turbulent campaign.
This vital victory lifted City back into fourth place, though their Champions League qualification remains uncertain. Chelsea, currently fifth, can leapfrog them with a win over lowly Ipswich on Sunday, while sixth-placed Newcastle trail by just two points with two games in hand.
Still, thanks to De Bruyne’s brilliance and the youthful spark from McAtee and O’Reilly, City showcased the resilience and firepower that have defined their dominance in recent seasons.
