'Today Kevin won the game' — Guardiola hails De Bruyne after Palace romp

Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne as "one of the best players in the history of Manchester City" after the Belgian scored two goals in their 4-2 victory at Crystal Palace.

De Bruyne cancelled out Jean-Philippe Mateta's early opener before Rico Lewis fired the visitors into the lead less than two minutes after half-time.

Guardiola's men then took control, with Erling Haaland adding another before De Bruyne struck his 100th in a City shirt in the 70th minute.

Odsonne Edouard clawed one back for Palace late on, but Guardiola praised the influence of Belgium playmaker De Bruyne as City kept up the pressure on Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

City boss Guardiola said: "Today Kevin won the game. Without Kevin today maybe we would not be able to win, so when we talk about tactics, about managers, having players like Kevin in these kinds of games, it's easy.

"I listen to him on the bus, in the locker room, in the training session, (he) laughs, and we are safe. His body language dictates a lot how he is, and all the players, but especially Kevin.

"How many years has he been with us, nine years, 10 years? The numbers, the presence, the consistency have been amazing. He's one of the best players in the history of Manchester City."

De Bruyne told his club's website: "Yeah, it's funny. I had a conversation with Erling [Haaland] and Phil [Foden] and said the only goal I want is to score 100 before you guys.

"Erling was like 18 behind but he would probably score that in two games.

"It's a proud moment. It means that I've had longevity here. It means a lot of good moments for this club."

City have a quick turnaround before facing Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night,