A stunning strike by Kevin De Bruyne has elicited kisses from the sideline from Pep Guardiola and launched title-chasing Manchester City’s comeback in a 4-2 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
City’s four-month unbeaten streak in all competitions was placed in jeopardy almost immediately after kickoff at Selhurst Park on Saturday when Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Palace a third-minute lead with a goal on a breakaway.
But in the end, there was nothing for City to worry about.
De Bruyne equalised 10 minutes later and it was one for the season’s highlight reel as the Belgium playmaker cut inside from the left and curled a right-footed shot from the edge of the area into the top corner of the net.
The excitable Guardiola responded by placing his fingers to his lips and blowing kisses to De Bruyne, and the manager also enjoyed a strike by Rico Lewis two minutes into the second half that put City in front for the first time.
Erling Haaland scored for the first time in four City matches by tapping in De Bruyne’s cross in the 66th for his league-leading 19th goal of the campaign.
De Bruyne then sealed City’s impressive recovery in the 70th by ramming home a left-footed shot off Rodri’s layoff for his second, before substitute Odsonne Edouard grabbed a consolation for Palace.
City joined first-place Liverpool on 70 points ahead of the Reds’ match at fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Third-place Arsenal, who were playing Brighton later on Saturday, are two points back.
