Guardiola praises De Bruyne after match-winning double & 100th goal for Man City

Pep Guardiola heralded Kevin De Bruyne as one of the best players in Manchester City's history after seeing him score twice and set up another in their 4-2 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

City were sloppy in the first half and behind to a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta when De Bruyne stepped up to curl in a beautiful equaliser. After the break he lashed in another and cutback for Erling Haaland to hit the net to help City to an important victory.

His second strike was his 100th for the club in all competitions, while his assist was number 158.

"Ten years in Man City, the numbers, the presence, the consistency has been amazing," said boss Guardiola in tribute. "One of the best players in all our history of Man City.

"The first goal is unbelievable, the fourth is unbelievable. The assist for Erling. Really, really good."

Given the way City had played in the first half, with John Stones losing possession for the Palace opener and Rodri twice giving the ball away for big chances for the home team, Guardiola didn't undervalue the contributions of De Bruyne at Selhurst Park.

"We were not solid like normally we are," he said. "[Games every] three days, three days, the mental energy we waste, more than physicality, is tremendous. That's why sometimes that happens.

"Today Kevin won the game. Without Kevin today, maybe we wouldn't be able to win. We can talk about tactics but give me players like Kevin!"

And Guardiola thinks his top creator is primed for a big end to the season, having missed the first half of it with a hamstring injury.

"He's been five months out. He's had good moments in games back. After that he was not maybe at his best, that's normal. A really, really special talent.

"He is mentally fresh, for sure. I listen to him