As Manchester City stumbled their way through a seven-game winless run it was clear that Pep Guardiola’s side needed a lift. They appeared short of inspiration and energy during that run. The prospect of Kevin De Bruyne returning to the starting lineup always promised to give City the lift they needed. That proved to be the case last night during Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Nottingham Forest. De Bruyne was sensational at the Etihad and he played a key role in City’s much-needed win.
It didn’t take long for Kevin De Bruyne to make an impact last night. He was instrumental in City’s attacking play early in last night’s match. He set up Manchester City’s first clear chance of the night for Erling Haaland in the 6th minute. De Bruyne picked up an assist for Bernardo Silva’s opening goal in the 8th. There was more of a threat to City’s play last night. Kevin De Bruyne was at the heart of it. His presence on the pitch inspired his teammates. Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan looked to be inspired by De Bruyne’s return to the starting lineup. That was a huge positive for Pep Guardiola and his team.
De Bruyne scored City’s second of the evening in the 31st minute. It came after some dazzling play from Jeremy Doku. De Bruyne’s finish was a typical piece of brilliance from the Manchester City legend. Pep Guardiola’s side had appeared toothless up front recently. It had been Erling Haaland or bust for the world champions. But with De Bruyne back in the starting lineup and in form that situation changed last night.
Our Belgian duo make it two 🇧🇪
⚡️ @JeremyDoku 🤝 @KevinDeBruyne 👑 pic.twitter.com/x2mFZlbkki
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 5, 2024
De Bruyne provided Manchester City with a much-needed lift but he was just happy to be back on the pitch.
The impact of Kevin De Bruyne during last night’s match cannot be understated. He put in a man-of-the-match performance when his team needed him the most. That has been typical of his City career. The set-up of Nottingham Forest in the first half allowed De Bruyne the space he needed to thrive. He got his confidence up early in the game and the Belgian international grew from there. The question marks over De Bruyne’s fitness were answered early and he then went on to inspire his team.
Speaking after his team’s much-needed win Kevin De Bruyne was happy to be able to contribute to his team’s win. He acknowledged that he and his team have had a tough time of late but De Bruyne was happy to see Manchester City pick up a win. Speaking post-game, he said: “It’s nice. It’s not been a nice period for me, but you have to deal with it. It’s nice to be out there to change the momentum hopefully. It’s been a tough time. You have to accept the challenge, I think we did well today.”
Summary
Pep Guardiola was happy for Kevin De Bruyne when he spoke post-game. The City manager also explained why De Bruyne didn’t feature prominently at Anfield last Sunday. He explained: “*I’m so happy for him. Last season was many months and this season as well. I’m so happy he’s back. He fought a lot. In respect to his physicality and minutes against Feyenoord was not good and that’s why I decided not to play at Anfield for the rhythm they play. But the minutes he played at Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.*”
Pep Guardiola’s happiness at the performance of Kevin De Bruyne echoed the sentiment of Manchester City fans. De Bruyne’s presence has been missed and he provided his team with a much-needed lift last night. Despite his age he is still an inspirational and integral figure in City’s squad. That was clear to see last night as he helped drive his team to a crucial 3-nil win over Nottingham Forest.