Man City wins big in Premier League

Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne scored a brace of super goals, helping Man City beat host Crystal Palace 4-2 in round 32 of the Premier League.

De Bruyne returned to the starting lineup alongside Erling Haaland, after a game on the bench, and he immediately shone with a brace and an assist. The Man City captain was the inspiration for the visitors, helping him receive a near-perfect score from the statistics agencies. Thanks to De Bruyne's assist, Haaland ended a three-game scoreless streak.

De Bruyne (No. 17) celebrates with his teammates after equalizing 1-1 for Man City at Selhurst Park, London, round 32 of the Premier League on April 6, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Pep Guardiola's side extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 16 games, but the big win did not come easily. Crystal Palace have dropped points on three occasions in the past two years, and the hosts surprised the visitors again with a third-minute opener. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta fired low across the right corner of the box for his fifth goal in nine games.

This goal woke up the visitors, but they also had to wait for De Bruyne's individual talent to equalize. In the 13th minute, the Belgian midfielder received the ball on the left edge of the penalty area, turned to his right foot and then curled the ball into the far corner, giving goalkeeper Dean Henderson no chance to block.

After the break, Pep Guardiola's team played a different game. Two minutes later, the visitors took the lead from a close-range shot by Rico Lewis, after the home defender failed to clear the ball. In the 66th minute, De Bruyne broke through to the left side of the penalty area, before crossing low for Haaland to tap into an empty net.

De Bruyne's volley helped him score a double. Photo: Reuters

Victory was assured for Man City four minutes later, when Rodri laid the ball back for De Bruyne to volley from 10m out on the left. The 33-year-old midfielder's shot flew hard into the near corner, forcing Henderson to dive but not being able to push the ball away. It was De Bruyne's 100th goal for Man City, alongside 167 assists in 372 games.

Man City needed one more goal to return to the top of the Premier League, but they conceded in the final minutes. Guardiola's team hopes to defend their title while also preparing for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in three days.

Hoang An

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