Manchester City moved level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool after thrashing Crystal Palace 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Premier League
Result: Crystal Palace 2-4 Manchester City
Date: 06 April 2024
Venue: Selhurst Park
Top scorer Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne returned to the City line-up, while Oscar Bobb made his second league start in place of Phil Foden, who netted a hat-trick on Wednesday.
Palace got off to the perefct start when Jean-Philippe Mateta raced clear from Adam Wharton on four minutes before calmly firing past Stefan Ortega.
City weren't behind for too long as De Bruyne collected a pass from Jack Grealish before skipping past one challenge and sending a superb strike into the top corner.
While the Citizens continued to dominant, Palace nearly restored their lead in the 37th minute when Andre Ayew took the ball off Rodri and surged forward before seeing his strike crash against the post.
However, City needed just two minutes in the second half to restore their lead as Grealish's cross was headed into the path of Rico Lewis, who took one touch before firing into the bottom corner.
The visitors managed to create some daylight between themselves and City in the 66th minute when Grealish played in De Bruyne, who pulled the ball back for Haaland to turn home from six yards out.
The rout continued with 20 minutes to play as De Bruyne completed his brace with a lovely finish into the bottom corner, bringing up his 100th goal for the club.
With City comfortably leading, Guardiola was able to withdraw Rodrigo and Julian Alvarez for the final stages with one eye on Tuesday's UFA Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Palace did pull another goal back in the 86th minute when Jeffrey Schlupp did well to pick out Odsonne Édouard, who slotted home from close range but it proved to be a consolation.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
