Iheanacho handed cameo as City crush Palace 5-0

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho played a minor role as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Etihad on Saturday.

Iheanacho replaced Gabriel Jesus in the 84th minute of the game.

Pep Guardiola’s men, who are chasing Champions League qualification spot, got down to business early on in the game.

David Silva volleyed home in the 2nd minute for City’s lead. His strike was Manchester City’s fastest Premier League goal since February 2015.

Vincent Kompany doubled his side’s lead in the 48th minute.

Kevin De Bruyne, who was left in acres of space just outside the penalty area, easily latched on to a bouncing ball before shooting a low strike past Wayne Hennessey for City’s third goal in the 60th minute.

Yaya Toure, down the left, swung a ball to Pablo Zabaleta who headed backwards to Raheem Sterling. The Englishman connected with the ball and sent a glorious first-time shot into the bottom right in the 82nd minute.

It was four but the Citizens weren’t yet done.

In injury time, De Bruyne curled a free kick into the penalty area, and Nicolas Otamendi powered a header into the net for City’s fifth.

The Citizens can achieve Champions League football for next season with wins in their final three games against Leicester, West Brom and Watford.

Manchester City are now third on the English Premier League table.