Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 4-2 comeback win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the hosts a shock lead inside four minutes, but Kevin De Bruyne inspired City’s comeback with a goal in each half. Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland also scored for the visitors.
The win moves City up to second in the table, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City by taking the lead in the fourth minute.
John Stones’ pass was intercepted and Palace broke quickly. Adam Whorton played a through ball to Mateta, who finished with a low shot to the far post.
The Skyblues side responded through Josko Gvardiol. Kevin De Bruyne’s cross from the right wing was met by Gvardiol’s header, but the ball went wide.
Crystal Palace faced sustained pressure from City. Joel Ward had to make a crucial block in front of goal to deny Julian Alvarez, and then Rodri’s shot forced Dean Henderson to tip the ball over the bar.
Pep Guardiola’s side finally equalised in the 13th minute. Jack Grealish dribbled into the left side of the penalty area before passing to De Bruyne. The Belgian international curled a shot into the top corner of the Palace goal.
City spurned a chance to take the lead. De Bruyne’s through ball put Erling Haaland through on goal, but Henderson saved his shot.
Crystal Palace almost went ahead again. A quick counter-attack allowed Jordan Ayew to get on the end of a cross, but his shot hit the crossbar.
City started the second half in perfect fashion. Rico Lewis scored in the 47th minute to put City ahead 2-1. Grealish crossed from the left side of the penalty area, Joachim Anderson headed the ball on, and Lewis fired past Henderson.
The third goal that City had been looking for finally arrived in the 66th minute. Grealish pulled the ball back to De Bruyne, and Haaland finished from close range.
Just four minutes later, City scored their fourth goal. De Bruyne and Grealish combined, and Rodri played a short pass.
De Bruyne finished with a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
In the closing stages, Crystal Palace pulled one back to make the score 4-2. Jeffrey Schlupp crossed from the right wing, and Michael Olise finished from close range.
