2:39 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester City’s win over Crystal Palace
Fernandinho and Rodri were not the only ones to make their mark on the game, of course. At the other end, there was Gabriel Jesus, picked ahead of Sergio Aguero and justifying his inclusion with a fine performance. The Brazilian’s goal, headed home from Bernardo Silva’s cross, was his seventh in his last seven starts and took him to 50 for City in total.
He has reached the landmark quietly, but if his current form continues then Aguero’s status as Guardiola’s first-choice striker may soon be under threat – if it is not already. City have won all five of the games in which Jesus has started this season, scoring 16 goals in the process.
He was a constant threat here and should have scored more than once. He had eight shots in total and created two chances too. On top of that, there was the tireless energy which forced Crystal Palace defenders into mistakes and the selfless running which opened up spaces for team-mates.
De Bruyne makes a difference
Guardiola’s options may have been limited in defence, but he could at least call on Kevin De Bruyne in midfield following his return from injury.
City learned to cope without the Belgian last year, powering their way to the title despite his long spells out, but it is no coincidence that the two Premier League games they have lost this season have been the only ones he has not started.
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It is a testament to just how good he has been lately that he has already become crucial to them again. De Bruyne came into this game having scored two goals and provided eight assists in just 531 minutes in the Premier League this season, and while he did not add to those tallies at Selhurst Park, his influence on the game was not insignificant.
He was involved in more or less every attack, popping up in deep positions to dictate the play at times and charging into the opposition box at others. Sometimes, he combined both. It was his driving run from deep in his own half which set the wheels in motion for City’s second goal.
De Bruyne was unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in the second half and hit the inside of the post with a header not long after that, but on this occasion he did not need goals or assists to provide a reminder of his importance to this side. The standing ovation from the travelling fans which greeted his substitution was proof of that.
This win cuts the gap at the top to five points, and while Liverpool will be favourites against Manchester United on Sunday, City will sense an opportunity to make up some ground before next month’s clash at Anfield. Liverpool must face Tottenham after United, while City’s next two games are at home to Aston Villa and Southampton.
The Premier League title race is far from over, in other words. Manchester City’s performance at Selhurst Park was a reminder that, regardless of their injuries, and regardless of who plays where, this side remain a force to be reckoned with.
Sourse: skysports.com
