Kevin de Bruyne scored his 100th goal for Manchester City in a thrilling comeback victory at Crystal Palace, ensuring that the team will continue their relentless title challenge.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Palace the early lead in an exciting match, and De Bruyne’s brilliant finish in the first half brought the visitors level.
Noise erupted from the Selhurst Park fans when Mateta raced on to a feed from Adam Wharton and placed the ball inside the far corner in just the third minute.
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However, ten minutes later, De Bruyne’s curling attempt produced a magnificent equaliser.
Jordan Ayew of Palace hit the crossbar as Oliver Glasner’s team displayed a lot of attacking danger, but City’s crisp play in the second half proved to be too much for Palace.
After making an important save moments before to stop Erling Haaland from completing a deft De Bruyne through-ball, home custodian Dean Henderson was powerless to stop Rico Lewis’ goal two minutes into the second half.
After De Bruyne set up Haaland again, the Norwegian striker finished, and the defending champions grabbed command. The Belgian then added a fourth goal, his 100th goal for City since coming in 2015, with a powerful first-time effort.
Odsonne Edouard, a substitute, provided Palace with a late consolation as they concluded the match admirably.
However, this was just another significant win for Pep Guardiola’s team in a thrilling three-way contest for the championship.
Arsenal plays Brighton later on Saturday, and City is now tied with leaders Liverpool in terms of points. Liverpool visits Manchester United on Sunday.
Guardiola made four changes to City’s lineup with an eye towards Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Real Madrid. Only a few days prior, Phil Foden had scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
De Bruyne and Haaland, however, entered the game and immediately made an impact, helping City’s quest for a record fourth straight league championship.
