Eberechi Eze class, Maxence Lacriox shocking – Crystal Palace ratings vs Man City
Crystal Palace surrendered an early two goal lead as Manchester City thrashed them 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
The visitors started quickly, as Daniel Munoz played a first-time pass into the path of Ismailia Sarr, with the winger driving in behind before squaring it to the unmarked Eberechi Eze to tap home.
Just over ten minutes later, Oliver Glasner’s side doubled their lead, when Adam Wharton’s corner was met by Chris Richards in City’s six-yard box for a simple header.
Pep Guardiola’s men responded well, however, with the departing Kevin de Bruyne at the heart of it. The 33-year-old pulled one back through a sublime free-kick before orchestrating the chance which saw Omar Marmoush continue his scoring form at the Etihad.
The theme of City and De Bruyne being on top continued after the break, with the Belgian cleverly teeing up Mateo Kovacic to find the corner from the edge of the area.
As Palace pressed to get back into the game, Ederson claimed his fourth assist of the season, playing an excellent ball in behind for James McAtee to take it past Dean Henderson before finishing into an empty net.
The young attacking midfielder was involved once more when his cross deflected out to Nico O’Reilly, whose first-time volley rounded off an excellent afternoon for City.
Maxence Lacroix and Jefferson Lerma struggle in makeshift Palace defence
Dean Henderson – 6
Perhaps could have done better to close down McAtee for City’s fourth, but made two excellent saves to deny Marmoush either side of the break.
Daniel Munoz – 6
Provided his side with a constant outlet down the right-hand side, but found it difficult with Marmoush drifting out left to create an overload.
Chris Richards – 7
Attacked Wharton’s corner well to score and was the one consistent part of the visitors defence throughout.
Jefferson Lerma – 5
Deputised at centre-back, Lerma struggled to provide the same presence as Marc Guehi at the heart of Palace’s back-three.
Maxence Lacroix (off for Nathaniel Clyne 63′) – 3
Incredibly poor. Started brightly but ultimately looked lost in the absence of Guehi. Was booked for a poor challenge on Kovacic and dragged off in the 63rd minute.
Mitchell has bad game at the Etihad
Tyrick Mitchell – 4
Lost the run of McAtee through being caught too far up the pitch and failed to influence the game in an attacking sense for the away side.
Adam Wharton (off for Justin Devenny 80′) – 6
Excellent footballer. The 21-year-old showed glimpses of why Guardiola is tracking his progress, but faded off as City’s dominance shone through.
Daichi Kamada – 5
Another anonymous display for Kamada who has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League following his move from Lazio.
Ismaila Sarr – 6
Provided a nice assist in the early stages for Eze but looked to run out of steam in the second-half.
Oliver Glasner sees major advantage thrown away
Eberechi Eze (off for Matheus Franca 80′) – 8 – Man of the Match
Back to his best. Eze was by far Palace’s brightest spark on the day, as he scored his side’s first and was very close to adding another, had it not been ruled out for offside.
Jean Philippe Mateta (off for Will Hughes 45′) – 5
Unsure as to whether Mateta was substituted at half-time due to an injury, but the striker had a quiet afternoon at the Etihad.
Substitutes
Nathaniel Clyne – (on for Maxence Lacroix 63′) – 5
Came into the game when City were massively on top and his side all but beaten, still managed to steady the defence slightly after coming on.
Ben Chilwell (on for Tyrick Mitchell 63′) – 5
Looked like a player that is struggling for consistent game time, but would be harsh to judge him from this performance.
Will Hughes (on for Jean Philippe Mateta 45′) – 6
Would have been brought on to make his side more assured in possession, however the likes of De Bruyne and McAtee took control of the second-half.
Matheus Franca (on for Eberechi Eze 80′) – 6
Looked to stretch the game with some nice runs in behind and almost scored after being picked out by Devenny.
Justin Devenny (on for Adam Wharton 80′) – 6
Played an excellent ball to find Franca as Palace chased the game, but did not have a lot of time to impact proceedings.