In a stunning turnaround, Manchester City surged back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 5-2, bringing an end to the Eagles’ impressive eight-match unbeaten streak away from home.
Amidst the ups and downs of this season, Pep Guardiola is likely eager for it to conclude.
Despite their struggles, City is still in the hunt for a top-four finish, but their hopes took an early knock within just 10 minutes. A well-executed move by Palace saw Ismaila Sarr set up an unmarked Eberechi Eze, who tapped in at the far post.
City nearly equalised moments later when the departing Kevin De Bruyne found Omar Marmoush in a one-on-one situation, but Dean Henderson thwarted him with a well-placed save.
Guardiola was incensed, believing that Chris Richards fouled Marmoush just as he prepared to shoot, which could have warranted a red card.
His frustration grew when Richards headed home from a corner by Adam Wharton, rising above the defence to score from close range.
As if that wasn’t enough, Eze almost added a third shortly after, only for the offside flag to save City from further embarrassment.
Taking advantage of that stroke of luck, City reduced the deficit just after the half-hour mark. De Bruyne unleashed a powerful free-kick from 30 yards that rifled in off the post.
James McAtee should have equalised almost immediately after the break, but City continued their push and soon found the equaliser.
With a hint of fortune, the ball came to Marmoush in the box, but he made no mistake, smashing it home from six yards out.
City’s comeback was nearly complete when they achieved the lead just two minutes into the second half.
A simple yet effective play saw De Bruyne assist Mateo Kovacic on the edge of the area, who calmly found the bottom corner.
Despite McAtee having missed several golden opportunities, he finally got on the scoresheet, timing his run to meet Ederson’s precision pass, rounding Henderson, and tapping into an open net.
At their flowing best, City did not stop there, adding a fifth goal with just ten minutes left to play, courtesy of Nico O’Reilly, who volleyed in from the edge of the area.
This emphatic victory puts City in a strong position, piling the pressure on their rivals for a top-four finish as the weekend action unfolds.
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