‎Kevin De Bruyne inspires comeback as Manchester City thrash Crystal Palace 5-2 to climb into top four

Manchester City staged a stirring comeback to claim a potentially season-defining 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, climbing into fourth in the Premier League and reviving their push for Champions League qualification.

De Bruyne shines as Manchester City storm back to overcome Crystal Palace in 5-2 thriller.

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‎Veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was at the heart of the turnaround, delivering a vintage display that saw him score, assist, and dominate the midfield. With City trailing by two goals inside 21 minutes, the Belgian’s leadership and flair proved decisive in swinging the momentum.

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‎Palace stunned the home crowd early when Ismaila Sarr broke free down the right and squared for Eberechi Eze to convert with ease after just six minutes. The visitors doubled their lead midway through the first half via USMNT international Chris Richards, who headed in a corner as goalkeeper Ederson misjudged his punch — marking Palace’s 14th set-piece goal of the campaign, the most in the Premier League.

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‎City’s response was sparked by De Bruyne, who reduced the deficit with a clever low free-kick that beat Dean Henderson and went in off the post. Just three minutes later, Omar Marmoush levelled the score, pouncing on a loose ball after De Bruyne had headed a cross back into the danger area.

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‎Guardiola’s side emerged from the break with renewed intensity. De Bruyne once again played the creator, setting up Mateo Kovacic for a well-taken goal to make it 3-2. James McAtee extended the lead shortly after, rounding Henderson after latching onto a long ball from Ederson. The scoring was completed by substitute Nico O’Reilly, whose deflected volley in the 79th minute sealed a remarkable comeback.

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‎Palace, who had chances to extend their early lead — including a disallowed goal for Eze and a wild effort from Sarr — faded after City’s equaliser. From that point on, it was one-way traffic as Guardiola's men took full control.

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‎Despite defensive lapses and a shaky start, Guardiola will take encouragement from his side's response, driven by De Bruyne's brilliance. The 32-year-old received a standing ovation as he made way late in the match — a fitting tribute to a game-defining performance that could keep City in the top-four race.

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‎Manchester City Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

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‎Goalkeeper & Defence

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‎Ederson – 6/10

‎Made a costly mistake for Palace’s second goal but partly redeemed himself with an inch-perfect assist for McAtee. Subbed off with a groin concern.

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‎Rico Lewis – 5/10

‎Caught out for Palace’s opener and looked hesitant to push forward. A late handball might have been penalized on another day.

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‎Ruben Dias – 3/10

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‎A rare off-day. Switched off for both early goals and looked uncharacteristically slow and out of sync.

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‎Josko Gvardiol – 5/10

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‎Beaten too easily for the opener and struggled aerially early on. Settled down in the second half as City's dominance grew.

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‎Nico O’Reilly – 7/10

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‎Exposed at times in the first half but contributed to City’s third and finished smartly for the fifth — his first Premier League goal.

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‎Midfield

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‎Nico Gonzalez – 7/10

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‎Anchored the midfield well after a turbulent start. Efficient and calm in possession, offering needed stability.

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‎Mateo Kovacic – 8/10

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‎Scored the go-ahead goal with authority and covered ground tirelessly. A key figure in City's resurgence.

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‎Attack

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‎James McAtee – 7/10

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‎Inconsistent early on but grew into the game. Assisted the equaliser and scored with confidence after breaking Palace's high line.

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‎Ilkay Gundogan – 7/10

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‎Controlled possession effectively and was involved in the buildup to Marmoush’s goal. Kept things tidy throughout.

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‎Kevin De Bruyne – 9/10

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‎Magnificent. Scored a clever free-kick, created another, and led by example throughout. A true captain’s performance that changed the match.

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‎Omar Marmoush – 7/10

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‎Denied early by Henderson but was clinical when it mattered. Missed a late chance but gave City a vital first-half lift.

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‎Substitutes

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‎Stefan Ortega – 6/10

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‎Had a quiet final 20 minutes after replacing Ederson. Distributed well and stayed composed.

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‎Oscar Bobb – N/A

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‎Came on late as he continues to regain fitness.

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‎Savinho – N/A

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‎A brief appearance, helping maintain control in the final minutes.

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‎Jeremy Doku – N/A

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‎Replaced De Bruyne to allow a well-deserved ovation.

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‎Jack Grealish – N/A

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‎Featured in the closing stages to help see the game out.

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‎Manager

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‎Pep Guardiola – 7/10

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‎Will have been furious at the early defensive lapses but deserves credit for rallying his side. A big second-half reaction under his guidance. SA