Man City thrash Palace 5-0

Manchester City's Fernandinho and Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace vie for the ball during their English Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. (Reuters Photo)

MANCHESTER: Manchester City playmakers David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Saturday, as Pep Guardiola's team rediscovered its attacking potency at Etihad Stadium to cement a top-four place.

Running an open game from central midfield, Silva and De Bruyne both scored and played a part in another goal curled home sweetly by Vincent Kompany. Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi, again from a free kick by De Bruyne, added late goals as Palace were swept aside, having missed a chance to secure top-flight status for another season.

The win, the ninth for City in their last 10 matches against Palace, moved the hosts into third place with 69 points, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference. Liverpool are at home to Southampton on Sunday.

Crosstown rivals Manchester United, who play Arsenal on Sunday, have 65 points and will remain outside the top four even with a win.

Palace remain in 16th place, six points above the relegation zone with two matches left.