Kevin De Bruyne credited Phil Foden's stellar performance for keeping him competitive as he netted twice in a thrilling 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace, marking his 100th goal for Manchester City.
Foden's impressive display in the midfield role during De Bruyne's absence due to injury for the initial months of the season was noteworthy, especially with his hat-trick in the recent game against Aston Villa while De Bruyne was on the bench.
Roles switched at Selhurst Park with Foden rested by Pep Guardiola, allowing De Bruyne to take charge and inspire a remarkable comeback after City conceded an early goal.
In a display of versatility, De Bruyne not only scored twice but also assisted Erling Haaland to break his goal drought.
Reflecting on his season, De Bruyne acknowledged the competitive environment within the team, stating, "If I don't perform well, I won't play. Phil has been amazing this season, he keeps me on my toes."
Ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Guardiola made strategic changes, resting key players like Foden and introducing others like Stones and Bobb.
Despite Stones' return from injury, an early mistake gifted Palace the lead. However, City quickly equalized through De Bruyne's clinical strike.
Guardiola praised De Bruyne for his pivotal role in the victory, emphasizing, "Today Kevin won the game with his actions, goals, assists, his talent."
The match saw moments of brilliance from both sides, with City eventually taking the lead through Lewis after a lapse in Palace's defense.
Grealish's return to form proved significant as he contributed to two of City's goals, showcasing his importance in the team's pursuit of multiple titles.
De Bruyne's milestone goal, his 100th for City, highlighted his impact since joining the club in 2015, further solidifying his status as a key player.
Although City seemed poised for a bigger win, Palace managed to score another goal, keeping the game lively till the end.
With this victory, City moved ahead in the Premier League standings, setting the stage for an intense title race with contenders like Arsenal.
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