1 Silva service
David Silva purred around Selhurst Park on Saturday, the magician at his very best.
With Kevin De Bruyne unused on the bench, Silva was the main creative focus for the Blues and with Raheem Sterling on one wing and Leroy Sane on the other, there was a balanced, fluid look about City’s attack.
Every orchestra needs a conductor and the Blues have been fortunate enough to have one of the best in the world since 2010. Long may he reign.
2 Leroy in the groove
With three goals in his last three games, the signs are Leroy Sane is settling in very nicely at City.
He’s far more than just a clever winger, when he drifts into the central position he offers height and blistering pace – but now he’s regularly finding the net.
With De Bruyne, Yaya Toure and Silva to find his perfectly-timed runs, the young German could quickly rise up the scoring charts and become another scoring threat for the Blues this season.
3 Skipper’s return
What price would you place on a 100% fit Vincent Kompany?
At his best, there’s few better defenders in the world and though he perhaps wasn’t tested to the max against a toiling Crystal Palace attack, there was still work to do.
He won his duel with compatriot Christian Benteke – so much so that the Belgian was replaced at half-time having had no more than one half-chance.
Every City fan is willing Vincent to return and be a regular member of the first-team – Saturday’s display and, more importantly, a full 90 minutes’ worth, is encouraging.
If it is the start of a most welcome return, what a boost to Pep Guardiola as we edge towards some of the Blues’ most important phases of the campaign.
4 Ferna returns...
City have won two, drawn one and lost one of Fernandinho’s current suspension.
The silky-skilled Brazilian’s influence has been sorely missed in certain games – particularly Everton and Tottenham when his calming influence could have made all the difference and even turned both games into victories.
He will return batteries fully recharged and raring to go – just the boost City need ahead of one of the most important months of the campaign…
5 Gabriel Jesus impresses
Gabriel Jesus made his full debut and impressed, setting up Sterling’s opener with a brilliant pass that unlocked the Palace defence.
He looked sharp throughout, lead the line brilliantly and displayed the work rate that made him such a hit in his homeland.
City, it seems, have landed a very special player.
6 Who’s next?
The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup takes place on Monday evening, with ties set to be played on the weekend of February 18.
Before that, City travel to West Ham for a Premier League game of huge importance this Wednesday.
