Crystal Palace 2-4 Man Metropolis: Kevin de Bruyne shines as defending champions keep title problem

Manchester Metropolis maintained their title problem in ruthless style as Kevin de Bruyne claimed his a hundredth objective for the membership in a comeback victory at Crystal Palace.

Mateta raced on to a cross from Adam Wharton and slotted the ball contained in the far nook in solely the third minute as noise erupted from the stands at Selhurst Park.

However De Bruyne’s curling effort was a elegant equaliser simply 10 minutes later.

Palace’s Jordan Ayew struck the crossbar as Oliver Glasner’s aspect confirmed loads of attacking risk however they have been undone within the second half as Metropolis have been medical.

Having earlier made a vital cease to disclaim Erling Haaland ending off a intelligent De Bruyne through-ball, dwelling goalkeeper Dean Henderson was unable to dam Rico Lewis’ strike inside two minutes of the second half.

The defending champions then took management as De Bruyne teed up Haaland once more and this time the Norwegian striker completed, earlier than the Belgian added a fourth – marking his century of objectives for Metropolis since becoming a member of in 2015 – with a ferocious first-time shot.

Substitute Odsonne Edouard slotted in a late comfort for Palace, who ended the sport brightly.

However this was one other essential victory for Pep Guardiola’s aspect in an enthralling three-way title race.

Metropolis moved degree on factors with leaders Liverpool, who go to Manchester United on Sunday, whereas Arsenal host Brighton afterward Saturday.

Foden rested however De Bruyne steps up for Metropolis

With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final tie towards Actual Madrid, Guardiola made 4 modifications to the Metropolis aspect, with Phil Foden dropped to the bench simply days after scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

However in got here De Bruyne and Haaland – and each made their mark to gas Metropolis’s cost for an unprecedented fourth successive league title.

Palace, nonetheless discovering their toes beneath new boss Glasner, confirmed loads of constructive indicators, notably within the first half as their defensive resilience and organisation saved the guests at bay.

They have been boosted by the return of Michael Olise off the bench after lacking seven video games by way of harm, and the vigorous Edouard went shut earlier than he squeezed dwelling a pleasant close-range end 4 minutes from time.

However Metropolis have been too sturdy ultimately and, whereas Guardiola was in a position to relaxation Foden and Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne stepped as much as present his high quality and declare his landmark objective after an injury-plagued season.

In one other increase, defender John Stones managed to play the complete match upon his return after being injured on England responsibility.

Palace have proved a troublesome opponent for Metropolis up to now – they got here from 2-0 down to attract 2-2 on the Etihad in December – so this was an important victory for Guardiola’s aspect to maintain the strain on Liverpool and Arsenal.