Kelechi Iheanacho made his first senior start for Manchester City, and he delivered a goal and two assists in a stunning Man of the match display in the first ever start for the 19-year-old Nigerian forward.
City took the lead in the 22nd minute at the Etihad Stadium through Wilfried Bony's header before De Bruyne made it 2-0 after 44 minutes with his sixth goal in nine games
Kelechi Iheanacho, scorer of a last-gasp winner in City's 1-0 Premier League triumph at Palace in September, put the game beyond doubt and Yaya Toure got his name on the scoresheet with a 76th-minute penalty.
Damien Delaney gave Palace something to cheer in the final minutes before 17-year-old Manu Garcia completed the rout.
Crystal Palace certainly know all about the Nigerian forward, having seen him score a stoppage time winner at Selhurst Park for City last month, and the 19-year-old was a thorn in their side again as he inspired Manuel Pellegrini’s team to an all-too-comfortable fourth round victory at the Etihad.
Assists for Kevin De Bruyne and Manu Garcia and clinically finished second-half goal capped an impressive full debut by the youngster.
“Kelechi made a very good performance,” coach Pellegrini said. “He is a very good player, but he is not just a striker.
“He made two assists for two goals. He must continue working, but we are very happy with him because I see how he works every day and his personality.”
Despite the fourth-rounds exits of Chelsea and Arsenal on Tuesday, Pellegrini insists it is too early for City to focus on the opportunity opening up in this competition.
“We are just in quarter-final,” the City manager said. “Seven other teams also have a chance, but now must focus on Norwich on Saturday and then Sevilla, rather than the Capital One Cup.”
The Nigerian forward's performance on Wednesday night has justified Manuel Pellegrini’s faith in promoting him to the first team, and outshining a significantly more expensive striker in £28million Wilfried Bony. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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