Josko Gvardiol reacts to Ilkay Gundogan's message as Man City thrash Crystal Palace

Josko Gvardiol reacts to Ilkay Gundogan's message as Man City thrash Crystal Palace

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Ilkay Gundogan took to social media to celebrate his "proudest supporter" after Man City completed a comeback victory against Crystal Palace.

Goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards saw Oliver Glasner's side take a shock 2-0 lead at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 12 April, though City managed to pull it back to 2-2 before the half-time break.

Man City's exit-bound star Kevin De Bruyne fired home a spectacular free-kick before Omar Marmoush pounced on a scramble in the box to fire home a much-needed equaliser.

Pep Guardiola's side turned on the style in the second half, with Mateo Kovacic, James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly all scoring to ensure all three points remained in Manchester with a 5-2 win.

Ilkay Gundogan celebrates as Man City avoid embarrassment

Taking to Instagram (12 April), Gundogan posted a picture of himself and his son on the pitch, celebrating the win against Palace, captioned: "My proudest supporter," with a blue heart emoji.

Former teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko and current teammate Josko Gvardiol both liked the post, with all involved with the Citizens enjoying their comeback at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's side take import step towards Champions League qualification

Football Insider verdict

Losing to the Eagles would have been a serious blow for the Citizens and Guardiola, who is under serious pressure for Man City to qualify for the Champions League this season.

It has been a difficult campaign for the reigning Premier League champions, with that title soon going to Arne Slot's Liverpool, with a top-four spot no guarantee with six matches remaining.

Premier League standingsPoints
4. Man City55
5. Chelsea53
6. Newcastle United53
7. Aston Villa52
8. Fulham48

All eyes, of course, will be on Nottingham Forest and Nuno Espirito Santo, who have the chance to go from relegation escapees to Champions League football in the space of just one season.

Their clash against Everton is no easy ride, with the Toffees performing extremely well under David Moyes, but it should still be another three points for the Reds at The City Ground.

Man City can only control their own performances, and with Everton, Bournemouth and Fulham left to play, supporters will not be the most confident heading into the final few matches.

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