Defender’s brace and fine Gundogan and Sterling strikes take City to within two points of Man Utd
Centre-back John Stones scored his first league goals for Manchester City as his side beat Crystal Palace 4-0 to go second in the Premier League table.
City dominated the early proceedings and Stones headed in Kevin De Bruyne’s sublime outside-of-the-boot cross after 26 minutes.
Gabriel Jesus had a good chance to extend their lead shortly before half-time but his header lacked the power needed to beat Vicente Guaita.
Ilkay Gundogan’s powerful effort from 20 yards doubled City’s lead after the break before Stones reacted quickest to Guaita’s parry to score again with 22 minutes remaining.
Raheem Sterling completed the scoring with a spectacular free-kick as City recorded a fifth straight Premier League victory.
The result sees them leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Leicester City into second, two points behind leaders Manchester United with a match in hand.
Palace stay 13th with 23 points from 19 matches.