Manchester City produced an entertaining comeback to thrash Crystal Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Although they started poorly, conceding two early goals, their response was ruthless and full of flair.
Palace took a surprise lead through Eberechi Eze inside ten minutes, and Chris Richards doubled the advantage shortly after. Nevertheless, City regrouped and eventually punished Palace’s defensive lapses with a flurry of goals.
Before the break, Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant free-kick gave City hope, and Omar Marmoush equalised moments later. Then, just one minute into the second half, De Bruyne calmly set up Mateo Kovacic for City’s lead.
Despite Palace having a third goal ruled out by semi-automated offside technology, City maintained control and dictated the tempo.
Consequently, their dominance opened the door for further goals and crushed Palace’s early momentum.
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James McAtee, on his first Premier League start, latched onto Ederson’s long pass to net City’s fourth. Although he missed earlier chances, he remained composed and converted with a classy finish past English goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Nico O’Reilly sealed the win with a deflected strike, capping off City’s first five-goal home outing this campaign. Even though the scoreline was comfortable, City had to fight back after their initial defensive collapse.
De Bruyne – once criticised during City’s slump – orchestrated the revival with poise and elite technical ability.
Still, questions lingered over Henderson’s wall for De Bruyne’s free-kick, as the Belgian curled in off the post. Nonetheless, it was a moment of genius only a few players could produce under such pressure.
Meanwhile, following his assist for McAtee, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson extends his record of most Premier League assists by a goalkeeper to seven.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner appeared agitated during the game as his side lost control after a bright start. The Austrian manager will definitely be concerned by how easily City exploited their defence in the second half and hope to address the situation before subsequent matches.
Tags: Manchester City, Oliver Glasner, Kevin De Bruyne, #MCICRY, #PremierLeague, Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee, Ederson, Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush, Crystal Palace, Chris Richards, Eberechi Eze.
