MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - CRYSTAL PALACE 2-4 MANCHESTER CITY

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Manchester City came from behind to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park thanks to an excellent individual performance from Kevin de Bruyne, to keep the Blues in the title race and prepare themselves perfectly for their UEFA Champions League quarter final tie at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

The Belgian midfielder popped up with two sublime goals and an assist for Erling Haaland in what was a much better performance than we've seen in recent weeks from the 32 year old.

But things didn't start out very well for City, as Jean-Phillipe Mateta pounced on a rare John Stones mistake to run in behind the City back line and finish past Stefan Ortega-Moreno for his seventh Premier League goal of the season.

This didn't deter City from their promising early start, as they continued to dominate the ball. They drew level thanks to De Bruyne, who curled a beautiful shot into the top right corner from just inside the box with his right foot to score his third goal of the season.

The rest of the half was played in City's hands, as they dominated the game in high areas of the pitch. Rico Lewis tested the goalkeeper from the edge of the box, whilst Haaland had a one vs one opportunity well saved by Dean Henderson for Palace.

After a half time substitution saw Manuel Akanji replace Josko Gvardiol due to what Lewis is described as "injury niggles," City came out of the blocks flying, as Lewis lashed home from Jack Grealish's deflected cross to put Pep Guardiola's side ahead.

City scored again after a fine carry and reverse pass from Grealish found De Bruyne, who cut it back to Haaland to score his 30th goal of the season in all competitions - not bad for a player widely deemed to be having an underwhelming season.

And to seal the points, De Bruyne struck again, this time with his left foot, after excellent work from himself, Grealish and Rodri to create the shooting opportunity.

Oliver Glasner's side pulled one back through Odsonne Edouard to make it a less comfortable finish than City would've hoped for, but at no point did City look at risk of throwing their lead away.

It was always going to be important that City carry their momentum forward from the Aston Villa game, and they did so with an excellent second half performance after a solid first half outing.

The likes of Lewis, De Bruyne and Grealish were at their very best from the start, whilst it was positive to see Haaland back on the scoresheet and Oscar Bobb look sharp on the right hand side.

The only concern comes defensively, with City failing to keep a clean sheet again and another injury to Gvardiol, with Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake injured and Stones's minutes having to be managed carefully.

But there seems to be a return to their best form for City at just the right time, and they'll head to the Bernabeu expecting to come away with at least a draw to take back to the Etihad Stadium to try and book themselves a place in the Champions League semi final for the fourth consecutive season.

Here are the player ratings for the crucial win against Crystal Palace:

Ortega-Moreno - 7/10 - Nothing he could do about either of the goals, and didn't have very much more to do. Distribution excellent, and that Cruyff turn in his own box after being put under pressure from Rodri was nothing short of magnificent.

Lewis - 8.5/10 - Brilliant once again from the 19 year old, who, like in January and February of 2023, is making himself undroppable with his current form. Took his goal brilliantly and kept the ball well under pressure. He may struggle against Vinicius Junior if he starts at right back, but he has certainly put his name in the hat for a start against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Stones - 6.5/10 - At fault for the first goal and somewhat shaky with his passing an ball retention in the first half, but had a much better second half, along with much of the team.

Dias - 6.5/10 - Should've done a better job in marking Edouard for the second Palace goal, but was otherwise solid and reliable with his passing and defensive work.

Gvardiol - 6.5/10 - Kept the ball well and was progressive with his ball carrying and passing. City improved when he came off the pitch at half time, but that was largely because of Akanji's excellent performance off the bench.

Rodri - 6.5/10 - Very poor but his standards in the first half, as he was robbed of the ball very easily a few times under not much pressure. But like Stones, he improved in the second half, and ended up with an assist for De Bruyne's second goal.

Bobb - 7/10 - Looked sharp and dangerous in the first half, linking up well with Lewis and Alvarez. A bit quieter in the second half, but worked hard and contributed to an excellent team performance.

Alvarez - 6.5/10 - Not a natural number 8 style midfielder, and it showed by the way he failed to properly protect the ball at times. Worked hard off the ball, however, and was unfortunate not to score in the second half as he had an effort blocked.

De Bruyne - 9/10 - Not for the first time in his City career, De Bruyne has proved that City aren't a better side without his individual brilliance. His link up play with Haaland was as good as it's ever been, and his two goals were finishes right out of the top drawer.

Grealish - 8.5/10 - Had a hand involved in all four of City's goals, in what was the 28 year old's best performance of the season to date. He kept control of the ball - and subsequently the game - with efficiency, and showed his more creative side too in an overall excellent performance from City's record signing.

Haaland - 7/10 - Missed a big chance in the first half, but made amends in the second half with excellent movement for his goal.

Substitutes:

Akanji - 7.5/10 - Marked down a little bit for giving the ball away in the build up to a big second half Palace chance, but he changed the game when he came on at the break, linking up well with Grealish on the left hand side and granting him more freedom.

Nunes - 6.5/10 - Kept the ball well for City to help them see out the game late on.

Kovacic - 6.5/10 - Similarly to Nunes, Kovacic helped City keep possession when he came onto the pitch, and also did his defensive work very well.

Bernardo - Not enough time to make an impact.