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Man City 5-0 Crystal Palace: In focus – Assessing Gabriel Jesus on his first start since February

Sport360 staff

18:10 06/05/2017

Gabriel Jesus made his first start since February 13th, finally back to match fitness and stepping in for the injured Sergio Aguero.

Here is how the Brazilian fared in the 5-0 rout of Crystal Palace.

GOAL THREAT

Had an early sniff of goal when he looked to turn a close-range chance in at the near post and could not get a full connection on a David Silva through ball when well placed.

Although he would have liked to join in on a free-scoring afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, his fleet of foot in the final third clearly worried Palace and their refusal to leave him in any space created room for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Silva to profit.

PHYSICALITY

Hit the deck a couple of times in the early reckoning, hardly a surprising route for the opposition to go down. Jesus did not shirk from his duties, though, winning a big round of applause for scurrying to the byline and dispossessing Andros Townsend.

When he set up De Bruyne for City’s third he stood firm after blunt contact from Jeffrey Schlupp which might have floored him.

CONDITIONING

Lasted until the 84th minute, which is not bad going given the length of his lay-off. He hared out of the traps in the first half, joyously racing at the yellow-shirted defenders and dropping deep or wide when the urge took him.

As the game moved along, and City’s dominance became more entrenched, he settled for a less explosive role, holding the centre forward position and possibly reserving a little gas in the process.

Provided by Press Association Sport

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