Manchester City shows they should not be afraid about Champions League race | OneFootball

Manchester City enjoyed a Premier League Saturday with strong emotions with a 5-2 victory that was built on several scares during the first half at the Eithad Stadium. Very organized tactically, Crystal Palace took advantage of a lot of quick attacking transitions to build a surprising two-goal lead after just 20 minutes.

Pep Guardiola's side remained in control of possession and attacking play from the start, but a well-worked Palace move in the 8th minute ended in Sarr's goal. Twelve minutes later, Ederson made a poor clearance from a corner and Chris Richard scored with great class.

Manchester City FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League | Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

The fans were annoyed in the stands, but the Citzens recovered in the first half thanks to the talent of Kevin De Bruyne with a perfect free-kick in the 32nd minute. Buoyed by the fans' celebrations, City equalized three minutes later when Gundogan finished off a well-worked move.

On the stroke of half-time, City found the breakthrough through O'Reilly, who crossed the ball low to De Bruyne for Kovacic's finish. The fourth goal was special, as Ederson got his fourth assist of the season and became the goalkeeper with the most decisive passes in Premier League history when he threaded the ball through to McAtee on the right flank, beating Henderosn to complete the move. Finally, O'Reilly took advantage of a poor clearance by the defense in the 78th minute to score the fifth goal.

Manchester City is one of the favorites to qualify for the next Champions League

Manchester City's early scare shows how the team remains vulnerable defensively, giving opponents too much space, especially in defensive transitions, but attack has long since ceased to be a problem for the Citzens, who have a well-qualified squad and enough to finish the Premier League in the Champions League qualifying zone.