As Kevin De Bruyne turned in one of his most complete performances of a season ravaged by injury, Pep Guardiola spoke about how much Manchester City have missed him.
The City coach is usually careful not to single players out or make too big a deal of injuries, but after De Bruyne's excellence at Crystal Palace there were words both for how good he is and why his problems have been to the detriment of the team.
The fact that the assists for Raheem Sterling's first and Gabriel Jesus's late goal were the Belgian's first two of the season in the Premier League were a start reminder both of his lack of contribution - he managed 16 last season - and also what he still has to offer.
With five games to go in the league and at least two more knockout games in other competitions, City will take victories any way they come and De Bruyne's vision and freshness can play a major role.
The last three or four games the way he played was incredible, we missed him a lot," said Guardiola.
"He has the ability and vision to see passes that other human beings are not able to watch. With him around, our paces and passes in front - especially in the final third - are incredible and today he was so committed to defensive work, wining duels and being in that position.
And of course, he is fresh mentally in the legs in those situations. That's why he made not just the two assists that are so important but in all the other situations that we needed him."
Pep Guardiola given huge Man City boost ahead of title run in vs Liverpool FC
