da pinup bet： The Belgian maestro was the architect of a dominant performance from Pep Guardiola's side in south London
da apostebet： Never write Kevin De Bruyne off. That's the lesson from this latest masterclass from Manchester City's midfield magician. The Belgian had been questioned after a poor performance at Anfield and was dropped against Aston Villa but he was back to his best away to Crystal Palace, who took a shock lead when Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the fourth minute.
De Bruyne then took the game by the scruff of its neck and curled in a sensational equaliser before running the show in the second half, helped by a resurgent display from Jack Grealish and substitute Manuel Akanji.
Rico Lewis rifled City in front with the help of a deflection before De Bruyne teed up Erling Haaland to score his first goal in a month. The Belgian then took centre stage once again as he smashed in his second of the afternoon, his 100th goal for City.
Palace got one back through Odsonne Edouard but there was little danger of a serious fightback and City head to Spain for their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Real Madrid feeling on top of the world.
GOAL rates City's players from Selhurst Park.
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Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Showed unbelievable skill to roll the ball past Mateta after a dodgy backpass from Rodri. Had earlier flapped at a cross and presented the ball to Palace's No.14.
John Stones (6/10):
His loose pass to Julian Alvarez led to Palace scoring first but he responded in the best manner, moving the ball around with purpose.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Held the back-three together with confidence and made a crucial block on Edouard.
Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
Struggled against Daniel Munoz and Mateta, who he was booked for fouling. Hooked at half-time as he had a niggle.
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Rico Lewis (7/10):
Given licence to roam and thrived with the extra responsibility, scoring his first goal since netting against Palace in the reverse fixture in December.
Rodri (5/10):
Made some rare errors, being robbed by Jordan Ayew when he hit the bar and almost running Ortega into trouble. Teed up De Bruyne's second with a subtle touch.
Kevin De Bruyne (9/10):
What a way to respond after recent flat performances and questions about his longevity. Curled in a sensational equaliser, set up Haaland and then nailed in the fourth.
Oscar Bobb (6/10):
His clever movement and patience dragged Palace all over the place and helped City have total control.
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Julian Alvarez (5/10):
Had bright movements but made bad decisions. Could be blamed for losing the ball for Palace's first goal and missed a great opportunity as he fired straight at Joachim Andersen on the floor when the goal was gaping.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
Combined well with De Bruyne and after being denied at point-blank range by Dean Henderson he scored for the first time in four games.
Jack Grealish (8/10):
A stunning return to form, playing just like he did last season. A constant threat down the left wing and also helped City dictate the second half.
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Manuel Akanji (7/10):
A big improvement on Gvardiol and combined to perfection with Grealish down the left flank.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10):
Replaced Rodri and City took a bit of a step back, allowing Palace their second goal and a couple of half chances.
Matheus Nunes (5/10):
Spooned a shot over the bar.
Bernardo Silva (N/A):
Replaced De Bruyne in the 92nd minute.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Blew kisses to De Bruyne after his first goal and successfully rotated his squad to perfection with one eye on Real Madrid. Replacing Gvardiol with Akanji was a masterstroke.