Pep Guardiola would have been delighted to witness his Manchester City side beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 and win comfortably after their seven-game winless streak.
Manchester City looked assured from minute one and took apart a Forest side who were just a point behind them in the Premier League table before Wednesday’s contest.
As Pep Guardiola’s men won against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, Liverpool dropped points in their dramatic 3-3 draw against Newcastle United, capping off a perfect night for them.
Several players impressed at the Etihad Stadium in what was a convincing display from the Premier League champions.
Kevin De Bruyne with a goal and assist just 31 minutes into his first start since September 😮
A different team when he's on the team sheet 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4kudNtZOGA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 4, 2024
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One of them was Kevin De Bruyne, who starred in City’s latest victory.
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Ally McCoist speculated about De Bruyne that if he was not handed a start against Nottingham Forest, such a decision could mean that his future at Manchester City could start to look uncertain.
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City chases after the ball under pressure from Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match ...
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Kevin De Bruyne hailed after Man City beat Nottingham Forest
However, the £54.5 million put all such claims to bed with an emphatic performance, as he initially set Bernardo Silva’s opening goal up with a brilliant header.
Later in the first half, the midfield maestro finished in style to double the hosts’ lead.
Jen Beattie lauded De Bruyne’s display in Manchester City’s victory against Nottingham Forest.
Beattie told BBC Sport: “There was a huge narrative about Rodri and the stats for and against City when he has been in the team and when he has been injured, but not enough has been said about Kevin De Bruyne.”
“He’s had minutes here and there and been on the bench, he has struggled for fitness, there were even questions about a fallout between him and Pep Guardiola.”
However he has had his start tonight, was named captain and he led the side from minute one. His quality was there for all to see.”
Jen Beattie also claimed on BBC Sport that De Bruyne’s heroics merited a standing ovation from the home crowd.
“A deserved standing ovation for Kevin De Bruyne. We know how hard it is to come back after being out for so long with an injury and to come back and play how he did and get a goal and assist is great. He played very, very well.”
Jamie Carragher’s claim about De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola suffering a potential rift that had led to him being restricted to recent substitute appearances upon returning from injury were made a mockery of by the enigmatic midfielder.
Gary Neville felt De Bruyne’s treatment was “bizarre” as well after Liverpool’s recent win against the Sky Blues.
However, as the greats do, De Bruyne let his football do the talking.
De Bruyne stats vs Nottingham Forest
The six-time Premier League winner’s all-round showing was a joy to watch as well.
The 33-year-old did not lose a spring in his step and instead, created chances, dovetailed with his teammates with aplomb and pulled the strings. De Bruyne’s statistics from his latest masterclass indicate his influence on the game.
GOALS 1
ASSISTS 1
xg + xA 0.67
PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD 2
ACCURATE LONG BALLS 1/1
DEFENSIVE ACTIONS 3
via FOTMOB
The numbers indicate that De Bruyne looked back to his best, which is welcome news for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.
If City intend to win major silverware this season, the decorated playmaker will have to consistently produce such all-conquering performances.
Based on De Bruyne’s track record, it would be a fool’s errand to doubt him.
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