Full Time: Manchester City 5-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City took a major step towards sealing their qualifications for the UEFA Champions League for next season, when they defeated Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It did not take long for the home team to get going as David Silva put the Citizens ahead as early as the second minute with a thumping strike into the bottom right corner. Captain Vincent Kompany then made it two in the fourth minute of the second period with a searing effort from a Kevin De Bruyne cutback.
And ten minutes later De Bruyne put the result beyond doubt as he fired in a low shot past Wayne Hennessey, after being teed up by Gabriel Jesus. Raheem Sterling would then heap further misery on the Eagles in the 82nd minute, making it four from close range, before Nicolas Otamendi headed in a fifth one late in the game.
The win sees City move into the third place in the Premier League standings, above Liverpool, who will be playing Southampton on Sunday. Here is how the City players fared on the day:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Willy Caballero – 7/10
Made a brilliant one handed save to deny Christian Benteke from a header, extremely crucial stop considering the scoreline was at 1-0. Had little to do after that.
Fernandinho – 7/10
Started at an unnatural right-back position and was up against the dangerous Wilfried Zaha. Stuck to his task and defended well for most parts, contributed going forward as well.
Vincent Kompany – 8/10
Booked early on after a foul on Zaha, but did not put a foot wrong from there on. Scored the second goal with a thumping effort. Has been the difference maker since his return.
Nicolas Otamendi – 8/10
Looks a completely different animal, playing alongside Kompany. Strong, but controlled in tackles, won everything in the air, made crucial interceptions. And got himself on the scoresheet with a brilliant late header as well.
Gael Clichy – 7/10
Looks a much better player when his team are in control. Defended strongly, supported Leroy Sane well on the overlap and passed well.
Yaya Toure – 8/10
The beating heart of the City midfield. Controlled the pace of the game beautifully from deep areas and kept City ticking. Making a strong case for a new contract.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
A lively performance, but as usual let down by his decision making on quite a few occasions. Made it four with a lovely finish in the second half.
Kevin De Bruyne – 9/10
Back to his best after several poor outings. It was a sight to watch him to carry the ball and run at the opposition from the halfway mark. Grabbed two assists with two excellent passes and got himself on the scoresheet between those goals. Man of the Match display.
David Silva – 8.5/10
A stunning display from the Spaniard on his return from injury. Worked brilliantly to create and score the opening goal. Pulled the strings for City from the midfield.
Leroy Sane – 8/10
Always a menace for the Palace defence with his direct running at blistering pace. His shooting was off the radar on occasions, but he was all over the opposition.
Gabriel Jesus – 7/10
An industrious and a hard-working performance from the Brazilian. Put in the hard yards from the top, acting as a first line of defence, even if he could not add to his goal tally. Got the assist for De Bruyne’s goal.
Substitutes
Pablo Zabaleta – 7/10
Came on Silva in the 67th minute. Stifled Zaha to some extent and set Sterling up for the fourth goal.
Jesus Navas – NA
Replaced Sane in the 85th minute.
Kelechi Iheanacho – NA
Came on for Jesus with less than five minutes left to play. Not enough time to make an impact.