Update: Dressing room mood and a man in demand – behind the scenes at Man City after Crystal Palace rout News

Manchester City’s swagger returned in the second half against Crystal Palace.

“I’ve done about seven interviews, no more.”

James McAtee was a man in demand and in high spirits after helping Manchester City come from two goals down to put five past Crystal Palace and reinvigorate their Champions League charge.

City were stunned as Oliver Glasner’s side roared into a two-goal lead which could have easily been four. But the Blues responded and hauled themselves level before the interval, before dominating the second period and easing to victory.

McAtee netted the fourth and was all smiles when leaving the pitch and copping a congratulatory hug from Pep Guardiola. The two shared a joke as the midfielder took his place on the bench to watch the final minutes in glorious Manchester sunshine.

The mood at the Etihad had shifted from despair to delight in the space of an hour. As the fans streamed out to the sounds of Oasis, the feeling was one of optimism, that City can, finally, put together a winning run to finish the campaign with a flourish.

Whether this iteration of the squad that Pep built can do that remains to be seen but it is comebacks and performances like Saturday that can often provide catalysts.

McAtee strolled past the media with a spring in his step, capping his first Premier League start in blue with a goal. Rico Lewis was similarly pleased with the afternoon’s work, while Jack Grealish passed by with a smile. The dressing room was a happy place.

City have no doubt been feeling the pressure at plenty of points this term, but perhaps the tide has turned with that five-star showing.

The swagger certainly returned in the second half, City were back to what we have been used to seeing from them. They controlled the contest, created chances, scored goals and played in a pleasing-on-the-eye style that left Palace chasing shadows.

If there was a moment that sparked it all, it was De Bruyne’s effort that clattered the post shortly before the Belgian did find the net with a free kick.

That roused the Etihad and suddenly City started playing with belief. They were bright and incisive and once the comeback started it felt inevitable it would be completed.

De Bruyne had triggered it. He was afforded a few minutes’ rest when replaced late in the game and departed blowing a kiss to the fans. At the final whistle he returned to the pitch to take the plaudits, waving to his two young children who enthusiastically returned the gesture.

The Belgian then delivered his first interviews since he announced he was leaving City. What the long-term future holds remains uncertain, but the imminent target is delivering Champions League football and an FA Cup.

Perhaps his place might be taken by McAtee. If so, he’ll be in demand once again.

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