Struggling Manchester City must sigh relief as the league’s top five will feature in next season’s Champions League. However, they had to secure all three points this afternoon to stay in the hunt, and despite conceding twice early into the contest, the reigning English champions fought back majestically to clinch a 5-2 triumph.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their 5-2 win against Crystal Palace.
Ederson: 7
Conceded twice within 20 minutes, but the Brazilian showed his passing expertise by setting it up for James McAtee. Could not complete the game as he sustained a calf injury, which forced him to make way for Stefan Ortega with 20 minutes remaining.
Rico Lewis: 7
Struggled initially against Eberechi Eze, but the young Englishman gained control with time as he kept on winning duels, dribbling past the opponents, and making overlapping runs.
Ruben Dias: 6.5
His long passes could have been better at times. Had a tough time defending set-pieces, but it became easy for the Portuguese once the Citizens ran riot over the Eagles en route to scripting a stellar comeback.
Joško Gvardiol: 7
Dominated the duels, and made several interceptions, recoveries and no-nonsense clearances. His passing game helped City build the game up from the back.
Nico O’Reilly: 8
The youngster impressed again as a makeshift left-back. Played his part in the build-up of Kovacic’s goal. Also, made it to the scoresheet with a deflected sidefooted volley late in the game.
Nico Gonzalez: 7.5
Got dispossessed a couple of times, but his tactical fouls and timely tackles broke down the Eagles’ free-flowing moves in the middle of the park. Could have done better with his positioning on a few occasions.
Mateo Kovacic: 8
His thumping strike into the bottom corner completed the comeback minutes into the second half. Received plaudits from the fans while making way for Jack Grealish moments before the regulation time.
James McAtee: 8.5
The youngster was lively down the right and looked threatening with his pace, flair and directness. Wasted an opportunity but then contributed to Omar Marmoush’s equaliser minutes later. Took it past Dean Henderson to make it 4-2 after picking up Ederson’s long ball. Was replaced by Savinho late in the outing.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
Grabbed the assist for Marmoush’s goal following a slight touch in the melee. Missed a few chances, but he was effective with his runs, crosses, and link-up play.
Kevin de Bruyne: 9.5
The Belgian is far from finished as he instigated a comeback by scoring from a spectacular free-kick moments after hitting the woodwork. Played his part in Marmoush’s goal, and then set it up for Kovacic, who made it 3-2. Grabbed a standing ovation from the Etihad crowd while being replaced by Jeremy Doku with three minutes remaining of the regulation period.
Omar Marmoush: 8
Was sharp with his finish to make it 2-2 around the 36th-minute mark. Tested Henderson several times in the Palace goal before making way for Oscar Bobb for the final few minutes.
Manchester City Subs vs Crystal Palace
Stefan Ortega: 6.5
Was not threatened enough since replacing Ederson between the sticks.
Oscar Bobb: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Savinho: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Jack Grealish: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Jeremy Doku: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
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