Kevin De Bruyne turned back the clock and turned up the brilliance in Manchester City thrilling 5-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. With a goal, an assist, and a commanding captain’s performance, the 33-year-old proved why he remains one of the Premier League’s most influential figures, 9am News Reports.
On a sun-soaked afternoon in east Manchester, De Bruyne’s quality shone brightest. After City went two goals down in the first half due to defensive lapses, the Belgian maestro stepped up and reshaped the narrative, leading City to a dominant second-half display.
Crystal Palace took a surprise 2-0 lead. The first came when Daniel Muñoz’s pass found Ismaïla Sarr, whose cross was met by Eberechi Eze for a composed finish. The second followed from an Adam Wharton corner, with Chris Richards heading home unchallenged after Manchester City’s defenders, including Rúben Dias, failed to react.
But Manchester City’s reply was emphatic.
Before halftime, De Bruyne’s free-kick effort rattled the post. Minutes later, he delivered a sublime second attempt—curling the ball beyond Dean Henderson into the top corner to reduce the deficit.
Shortly after, the captain was at it again, heading down a ball for Ilkay Gündogan. Though the German miskicked, Omar Marmoush made no mistake, blasting the ball into the net to bring City level.
Barely 80 seconds into the second half, De Bruyne again shifted gears. Receiving a pass from Nico O’Reilly, he turned with effortless grace, evading three Palace players and laying off a pass to Mateo Kovacic, who coolly slotted home to put City 3-2 ahead.
It was footballing poetry, written in the signature style of the Belgian—a blend of vision, control, and composure.
Soon after, James McAtee added another, latching onto a long ball from Ederson, skipping past Henderson, and finishing with confidence. O’Reilly sealed the scoreline at 5-2, netting his first Premier League goal in a moment to remember—though it was one of the few goals De Bruyne did not touch.
Guardiola’s Gamble Pays Off
Pep Guardiola’s pre-match selection raised eyebrows. With Phil Foden injured and Savinho, Jack Grealish, and Jérémy Doku starting on the bench, the team lacked width. But the manager’s narrow 4-2-2-2 setup—with McAtee and Marmoush up front, and De Bruyne and Gündogan in midfield—eventually overwhelmed Palace with technical finesse and relentless energy.
Despite a weak first half, the second showcased a City side reenergized, orchestrated by a talisman still operating at the peak of his powers.
This crucial victory lifts Manchester City to fourth place in the Premier League table, two points ahead of Newcastle United, though the Magpies have two games in hand. While goalkeeper Ederson’s injury adds to Guardiola’s concerns, the day ultimately belonged to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian’s late-career renaissance continues to dazzle fans and torment opponents. From precise set pieces to visionary assists, his fingerprints were all over this comeback win. His standing ovation as he left the pitch was not only deserved it was inevitable.
