Man City Roar Back to Thrash Crystal Palace After Early Scare
Manchester City proved their title credentials with a stunning 5-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, clawing back from two goals down to reclaim a top-four spot in the Premier League.
The defending champions looked in trouble early on as Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards stunned the home crowd with two quick goals for the visitors. Eze opened the scoring in the 6th minute, calmly finishing off a low cross from Ismaila Sarr, while Richards capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Ederson to head home from a corner in the 21st.
Palace nearly made it three before half-time, but a goal from Eze was chalked off by semi-automated offside technology, a new feature being used in the Premier League for the first time this weekend.
However, City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne rose to the occasion in what could be his final season with the club. The Belgian fired a thunderous free kick in the 33rd minute to reduce the deficit, before Omar Marmoush equalised three minutes later after a scrappy build-up involving Ilkay Gundogan.
The second half saw City at their lethal best. Mateo Kovacic put the hosts ahead with a low strike in the 47th minute, following a perfectly timed assist from De Bruyne. The 33-year-old continued to pull the strings, showing flashes of his former brilliance despite a season hampered by injuries.
James McAtee, making his first Premier League start for City, marked the occasion with a composed finish in the 56th minute after Ederson launched a long ball over the top. Youngster Nico O’Reilly then capped the comeback in style, volleying home City’s fifth in the 79th minute to complete a ruthless attacking display.
Despite the victory, Guardiola has fresh concerns after Ederson was forced off with an injury midway through the second half. Nonetheless, the result lifts City to fourth on the table, although Chelsea and Newcastle remain close behind with games in hand.
“The spirit is back,” Guardiola said after the match. “We showed character, and Kevin reminded us all of his greatness.”
City now turn their focus to the final stretch of the season, with Champions League qualification hanging in the balance and the title race still wide open.
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Man City Roar Back to Thrash Crystal Palace After Early Scare