De Bruyne double leads City to win at Palace, Arsenal return to top

Kevin De Bruyne struck twice to lead Manchester City to a dominant 4-2 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday and put his side level on points with Liverpool, who have a game in hand, near the top of the Premier League table.

Hours after City's win, Arsenal leapfrogged both teams to go top on 71 points with a 3-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gunners, holding 71 points, and City who are one point behind, both have seven games remaining. Liverpool will visit sixth-placed Manchester United on Sunday.

Stunned by an early goal from Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, De Bruyne responded with a superb shot. After second-half goals by Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland, the Belgian midfielder added his second. Odsonne Edouard grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.

Mateta had shocked the traveling City supporters with a goal in the third minute, but De Bruyne, who along with Haaland was rested for Wednesday's 4-1 win over Aston Villa, leveled in the 13th minute with an inch-perfect finish that had manager Pep Guardiola blowing the Belgian kisses.

Lewis put the visitors ahead soon after the interval, Haaland bagged his 19th goal of the season in the 66th minute from close range and De Bruyne netted his 100th goal for City to keep them in the hunt for a fourth successive league title.

City keeper Stefan Ortega made an important contribution late in the first half, dribbling the ball out of danger when Mateta nearly got to a reckless backpass from Rodri.

Hours later, Arsenal retained their title charge with goals by Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, securing their 10th win in their last 11 league games.

Brighton started strongly but Arsenal soon settled, and Saka converted a penalty in the 33rd minute after Tariq Lamptey was adjudged to have clipped Gabriel Jesus in the area. Arsenal were a constant threat going forward and the away fans were in full voice after Kai Havertz scored from close range from Jorginho's cut back in the 62nd minute. Former Brighton player Trossard, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points late after being played through on goal.

(With input from Reuters)