Kevin De Bruyne unbelievable, Ruben Dias howler – Man City ratings v Crystal Palace
Kevin De Bruyne ran the show as Man City completed a stunning comeback against Crystal Palace.
Palace took an early lead through Arsenal target Eberechi Eze. Ruben Dias was guilty of keeping Ismaila Sarr onside, who slid a pass across the box for the England international for an easy tap-in.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 21st minute thanks to USA international Chris Richards, as Ederson flapped at a corner, gifting the centre-back his first goal of the season.
However, City hit back, and hit back in a big way, as a flurry of goals from De Bruyne, Omar Marmoush, Mateo Kovacic, James McAtee, and Nico O’Reilly stunned Palace, with the Sky Blues romping to a 5-2 win.
City move up to fourth in the Premier League table in a huge result that gives them a good chance of playing Champions League football next season.
Pep Guardiola delighted by Man City comeback
Ederson (off for Ortega 71′) – 7
From zero to hero. The Brazilian goalkeeper gifted Palace their second goal, after flapping at a corner, before assisting his fourth goal of the season, setting up McAtee. The ex-Benfica man was then subbed off to a round of applause following an injury.
Rico Lewis – 5
Whilst O’Reilly shone, Lewis continues to fade. The England international once again just does not look like the man to replace Kyle Walker long-term.
Ruben Dias – 4
Absolute liability. What has happened to the man who looked set to dethrone Virgil van Dijk as the best centre-back in the Premier League? The Portuguese defender was lucky not to be hooked by Guardiola in the first-half, bailed out by his attackers showing up against the Eagles.
Josko Gvardiol – 6
O’Reilly is showing himself to be a reliable option at left-back has allowed Gvardiol to move back to his more natural position, and whilst he wasn’t at his best against Palace, long-term City stand to benefit in a major way.
Rico Lewis shaky at right-back for Man City
Nico O’Reilly – 8
City have found their new left-back, and he won’t cost them a penny. The 6ft4 20-year-old has emerged from the academy this season and will not stop scoring. 13 games, four goals, did someone say Gvardiol regen?
Nico Gonzalez – 7
Gonzalez joined City in January, and finally looks comfortable in Guardiola’s system, running the show alongside his Kovacic.
Mateo Kovacic (off for Doku 87′) – 8
After 12 career games against Crystal Palace it’s now 12 career wins against Crystal Palace. Mr Consistent is quietly putting in a great season for City, scoring his fifth of the season against the Eagles.
James McAtee (off for Bobb 82′) – 8
McAtee has been linked with a switch to West Ham this summer, but the English midfielder may have changed Guardiola’s mind with a strong performance out-of-position at right wing. His versatility will make him hard to part with.
Kevin De Bruyne (off for Grealish 87′) – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
Simply the best. The Belgian saw his team falter, and took it personally. A goal and an assist from De Bruyne reminded City fans why he truly is a club legend, ran the show and was back to his best.
Nico O’Reilly carries on goal-scoring form for Man City
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
Gundogan looks set to leave City this summer, but the German rolled back the years with a tidy display against Palace. Assisted Marmoush’s equaliser and his effortless link-up with De Bruyne had City fans reminiscing about the good old days.
Omar Marmoush (off for Savinho 82′) – 8
No Haaland? No problem. Marmoush should have had a penalty in the first half. No matter, the former Frankfurt man smashed home the equaliser just 20 minutes later, six goals in 10 Premier League games is a great return.
Substitutes
Stefan Ortega (on for Ederson 71′) – 6
Replacing the injured Ederson, made one save and once again showed his tidy distribution from the back.
Oscar Bobb (on for McAtee 82′) – 6
The match was crawling to a finish by the time of his introduction, but the minutes under his belt will help after a nasty long-term injury.
Savinho (on for Marmoush 82′) – 6
Tidy passing and even won an aerial duel off the bench, but there was little for the Brazilian to do in his cameo off the bench.
Jack Grealish (on for De Bruyne 87′) – N/A
The Englishman was not on the pitch long enough to have any meaningful impact.
Jeremy Doku (on for Kovacic 87′) – N/A
Much like Grealish, Doku was not on long enough to impact the game.