Pep Guardiola said several weeks ago that he felt Sergio Aguero had a big role still to play in Manchester City's chase for honours this season.
But Blues fans have become increasingly saddened at the prospect of the legendary striker's career fizzling out, with him watching from the bench as the rest of the squad writes another glorious chapter in the club's history.
The glimpses we have had of Aguero have vindicated Guardiola's decision to use him sparingly. But then came Crystal Palace.
After a first half when he appeared reluctant to shoot, and looked slightly rusty, Aguero flicked a switch after the break - and the old, gold Kun was back.
One perfect touch on a hammered Ben Mendy pass, and a stunning finish into the roof of the net showed exactly the ruthlessness that had been missing in the midweek win at Paris Saint-Germain.
And after that, Aguero fizzed around the final third, creating chances with his sharp passing and slick movement, playing a key role in Ferran Torres' killer second goal.
His display in that half may not have made Guardiola re-consider his starting XI for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG, but he is now a very real option off the bench if the manager needs a goal.
And this time, when Guardiola re-stated his belief that the 32-year-old will still play a significant part in the remainder of the season, it was backed up by Aguero's actions.
Guardiola was buzzing with praise for the top goalscorer in City history, who will leave the club on a free transfer this summer: "He is an absolutely top legend, an extraordinary player.
"The most humble and nicest human being. It's not easy to find, normally - the top quality players pretend to be ...
"He was confident, could create difficult situations. When one guy is beloved the way he is by all our fans not just for scoring a thousand million goals, the people realise you can't hire (that).
"That's why, this season we took a difficult decision, especially because he was injured a year, and next season we need to make another step to maintain this level for a longer time.
"But what he has done for this club will remain forever. He will help us in the Champions League and Premier League, to finish it.
"It's not easy to find a player like him with this amount of numbers and achievements, with his personality."
Aguero will move on in the summer, and his display in the second half will have increased the number of clubs who will be interested, with his old sharpness returning.
And Guardiola says whichever club lands him will get a huge boost: "They will get a top striker. Hopefully he goes to the place he wants to be and plays the last years of his career at the high level.
"Never will I forget it, it was a pleasure to work with him. Is a pleasure.
"Nothing will compare to that moment in 2012. 93 minutes and 20 seconds will be just the history of this club. If we win the Champions League nothing will compare to that moment.
"Today at 0-0 the pass from Mendy was exceptional, the control and action, he has shown many times in his career.
"What a goal, what a man, what a player. Incredibly delighted he's back, he's trained well this week. If we need him on Tuesday he will be ready."
