A comeback for the ages, courtesy of the ageing great.
They will miss him when he’s gone, the man who is arguably Manchester City’s greatest ever player. But when he does, Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy looks likelier to include Champions League football. The Belgian’s City career has produced medals and memories, with some more of the latter created by a masterclass in one of his valedictory outings on home soil.
A week after confirming he will leave in the summer, De Bruyne delivered the sort of performance that, even when he is approaching his 34th birthday, would be beyond almost anyone else. Magnificent and majestic, he transformed a shambolic showing from City into a morale-boosting victory. In a game decided by force of personality, De Bruyne’s refusal to accept defeat on the day and failure in City’s quest for a top-five finish brought a role in four goals.
“I want to go away with a Champions League for this team because they deserve it,” said De Bruyne.
Almost a decade ago, his first Premier League appearance for City came against Palace. One of the last was a reminder of his rare combination of extreme talent and drive.
“Kevin is not a vocal leader,” said Pep Guardiola. Yet he has another form of leadership. “He has a unique talent, a vision in the pass and when the players up front and Kevin has the ball, they know they can run because the ball will be delivered,” his manager added.
A goal and an assist felt a slight return for De Bruyne’s contribution. He also struck the woodwork; was denied by a goal-saving intervention by Chris Richards; had a part in City’s equaliser, with Ilkay Gundogan’s miskick denying his fellow veteran the assist, and their fifth; almost put them ahead on the stroke of half-time; and was the provider when first Omar Marmoush and then the German should have scored.
Little wonder that “Oh, Kevin De Bruyne,” echoed around the Etihad Stadium. They can stare at a statue of him in the future. The privilege, for 10 years, has been to see the flesh and blood.
