Manchester City maintained their competitive edge against their title contenders, with Kevin de Bruyne scoring his 100th goal for the club in their 4-2 triumph over Crystal Palace.
There were uncertainties regarding the inclusion of either the Belgian player or Erling Haaland in the starting line-up for the early afternoon match at Selhurst Park. However, the in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta quickly scored for the home team just three minutes after the match began.
De Bruyne equalized the score shortly after, and City gained the lead for the first time in less than two minutes after the game resumed, thanks to Rico Lewis’ second goal in the Premier League. De Bruyne then assisted Haaland in scoring City’s third goal.
In the 70th minute, De Bruyne scored another goal for City through an individual effort, bringing their total goals to 100.
Odsonne Edouard, a replacement for Palace, scored a goal late in the game. Despite Manchester City’s efforts to increase their scoring statistics, they were unable to score a fifth goal during the seven minutes of added time in the second half.
Now that safety is almost certain, Palace can focus on how they can influence the race for the crown.
Arsenal and Manchester City will monitor the activities of the south London team, who will be visiting Liverpool in the next weekend.
Mateta delighted the home fans, as well as supporters of Arsenal and Liverpool, with a precise and powerful shot that hit the inside of the far post and went into the goal, giving his team the first score of the match.
Acquisition made in the month of January Adam Wharton, the player who provided the assist, then attempted to assist Eberechi Eze but the pass was too strong. City then counterattacked and tested Dean Henderson with shots from Julian Alvarez and Rodri. The latter’s shot forced the Palace goalkeeper to make an impressive punch.
Henderson had few options to prevent De Bruyne, who skillfully curved the ball into the upper right corner for an exceptional goal, resulting in the teams being tied in the 13th minute.
Palace responded resolutely, relishing their time in City’s offensive zone, and the intense speed eventually subsided as the visitors gained dominance and increased their pressure.
Haaland, in a clear scoring opportunity, compelled Henderson to make a save, while Alvarez missed the target with his attempt. However, it was Jordan Ayew who had the best chance to change the result before halftime. He skillfully stole the ball from Rodri and was visibly disappointed when his strong shot hit the crossbar.
The Eagles sought a penalty when Josko Gvardiol forcefully collided with Eze just before the end of the first half. Despite the team’s complaints, referee Paul Tierney dismissed their claims. However, the home supporters had much to celebrate over their team’s performance in the initial period.
Lewis swiftly diminished their momentum shortly after the game resumed, as he controlled Jack Grealish’s pass and fired a shot from close to the penalty spot. The ball deflected slightly off Jefferson Lerma before entering the goal.
City had several opportunities, starting with Alvarez and then Grealish from a corner, followed by De Bruyne, all before the 60-minute mark. Eventually, De Bruyne and Haaland teamed together to score the third goal for the visitors.
In the 70th minute, De Bruyne scored his second goal by shooting the ball past Henderson, increasing City’s advantage. Shortly after, Palace manager Oliver Glasner made many substitutions, one of whom was Michael Olise, who had not featured since Palace’s 4-1 defeat to Brighton on February 3.
He assisted his teammate Edouard with a great opportunity, but Edouard failed to score. However, he redeemed himself by scoring in the 86th minute, getting the ball past Ortega.
Grealish sought to capitalize on a late opportunity during stoppage time in the second half, but unfortunately, he failed to direct his shot on target.
