Kevin De Bruyne delivered a masterclass in what may be one of his final Etihad performances, spearheading Manchester City’s 5-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace just days after confirming his summer departure.
Palace stunned City early, racing into a deserved 2-0 lead through Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards.
But De Bruyne responded with authority, producing one goal and influencing three others in a vintage display.
The Belgian maestro got City back into the game with a trademark free-kick on 33 minutes, curling in off the post with Henderson rooted.
Minutes later, he turned provider, nodding James McAtee’s cross into the danger area for Omar Marmoush to equalise.
City seized full control after the break. A flowing move initiated by Ilkay Gundogan and De Bruyne ended with Mateo Kovacic firing in the third.
James McAtee added the fourth, latching onto Ederson’s long ball to finish clinically.
De Bruyne also played a vital role in the fifth, with Nico O’Reilly’s deflected volley capping the scoring.
The only blemish was a second-half injury to Ederson, who was forced off with a suspected muscle strain.
De Bruyne received a standing ovation upon substitution, a poignant moment for a player who has defined City’s era of dominance.
