Departing idol Kevin De Bruyne has sparked Manchester City's remarkable fightback from two goals down in a 5-2 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League that re-ignited their Champions League qualification hopes.

The 33-year-old curled a free kick in off the post to begin the comeback in the 33rd minute on Saturday and had a hand in goals by Omar Marmoush and Mateo Kovacic in the first half.

James McAtee then added a fourth — off a pass from goalkeeper Ederson, who later came off injured — before fellow academy product Nico O'Reilly wrapped up the win.

It was a display showing the enduring quality of De Bruyne, who announced last week he would be leaving City at the end of the season after 10 years at the club.

Injuries have affected the Belgium playmaker's impact in recent seasons but his class can still shine through, with his assist for Kovacic the 119th of his Premier League career.

Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards scored in the first 21 minutes for Palace to shock City into action.

The victory lifted City into fourth place above Chelsea and Newcastle, who have games in hand in the race to secure England's five Champions League spots.

Ederson was forced off with a muscle injury in his right leg, minutes after providing a goal assist for the fourth time this season.

The Brazil international appeared to injure himself making a routine pass out from his area. He bent over in pain and was soon receiving treatment, before being replaced by Stefan Ortega in the 71st minute.

Fifteen minutes earlier, Ederson had delivered a long pass over Palace's defence to McAtee, who went round goalkeeper Dean Henderson and converted into an empty net.

It was the seventh assist of Ederson's Premier League career, two assists ahead of the next goalkeeper on the list, former Leeds, Tottenham and Blackburn 'keeper Paul Robinson.