Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace: Winners and Losers from Premier League
Manchester City bounced back to the top of the Premier League, at least for a couple of hours, with a resounding 4-0 win over a poor Crystal Palace outfit.
Fabian Delph hit the opener and Sergio Aguero netted either side of half-time for the home team, with David Silva adding gloss late in a match in which City barely needed to get out of first gear to comfortably win. Palace were slow and disappointing throughout, and a long-range Yohan Cabaye shot was as close as they came to scoring after a second-minute header from Damian Delaney, which was straight at Joe Hart.
Here are all our winners and losers from the game at the Etihad Stadium.
Winner: Fabian Delph
1 of 5
Given a start in the centre of midfield, Delph had to take his chance if he wants future involvement beyond an impact sub or backup—and he certainly did that against Palace.
Delph's running through the centre, his closing down and his passing and control in possession was excellent throughout, particularly in the first half when City were trying to open up a well-organised Palace back line.
His goal was well struck, though should have been saved, and he couldn't have done much more to impress his watching manager. It's also worth noting he impressed the fans—Delph was voted man of the match by those in attendance and announced on the PA system near the end of it.
Loser: Wayne Hennessey
2 of 5
After a poor performance last time out, Wayne Hennessey would have been hoping to prove his worth as Palace's No. 1 goalkeeper—but it didn't get off to a good start.
A very slight deflection on Delph's shot shouldn't have prevented the 'keeper making a save, but Hennessey was slow to react and dive, and the ball squirmed under his hands. Meanwhile, a deflection for the second also wrong-footed him—not necessarily as bad as the first, but the goalkeeper certainly reacted slowly again.
Palace have Julian Speroni and Alex McCarthy on the books too, and one must be hoping they'll get a chance soon.
Winner: Pablo Zabaleta
3 of 5
Having spent most of this season on the sidelines, the return for Pablo Zabaleta at right-back for Manchester City was a welcome one, and he was superb in both halves of the pitch.
Overlapping and bursting forward, he was able to beat his man for pace and power and surge behind Palace's back line to cross or pass low into the area.
Defensively he was strong and never gave Palace any chance to create danger down his flank. His return to form and fitness could be even more critical given Aleksandr Kolarov went off injured from left-back.
Loser: Alan Pardew
4 of 5
No goals and no points again for manager Alan Pardew and Crystal Palace and, worryingly, Palace really crumbled in the second half and never looked like putting in the required fight to get back into the match.
Five games in a row without a win in the Premier League now, Palace have lost their last three and haven't scored in any of the last five in league play, while conceding eight in the recent three defeats.
They're slipping toward the bottom half fast, and with Tottenham Hotspur to play next, the games aren't getting any easier at present.
Winner: Sergio Aguero
5 of 5
Not quite at his best level yet with his first touch, but Aguero was nevertheless far too hot for Palace to handle.
He scored two, assisted one, was heavily involved in City's best attacking moves and showed a scintillating turn of pace in the lead up to the last goal of the match. Kun looked good with his movement and link play alongside Kelechi Iheanacho in a two-man attack early on before going solo in the second half after the youngster was subbed.
With him fit and firing, City have a great chance of going on for the title—it's double figures now for the season for Aguero in the Premier League, and he probably still can't be ruled out of finishing as top scorer either.
