Kevin de Bruyne made a stunning return from a five-month injury layoff, sending a powerful message to the Premier League with his performance.
In a dramatic match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, Oscar Bobb, coming off the bench, scored his first league goal and secured a last-gasp winner for Manchester City, propelling them to a 3-2 victory.
However, it was De Bruyne who stole the spotlight with his 21-minute cameo, scoring the equalizer and providing the assist for Bobb’s decisive goal.
His performance showcased the impact he brings to the team and highlighted what Pep Guardiola’s side has been missing during his absence.
“I missed this,’ De Bruyne said. ‘I enjoyed myself. I think it was more willpower than anything else. It was crazy. I know I’m not able to do that for 90 minutes at the moment.
“I can put in a shift for 30 minutes at the moment. I feel it in my lungs, especially with the cold.’
De Bruyne praised Bobb’s mature and well-timed run, which proved pivotal in City’s victory. Despite Jack Grealish being unavailable due to a virus that had kept him out of training during the week, Bobb’s performance was noteworthy.
Guardiola had high expectations of De Bruyne, anticipating that his very first touch, a free-kick just outside the Newcastle box, would have a significant impact on the game.
“I am so disappointed in him and upset and grumpy because he didn’t score with the free kick,’ the City boss joked.
“He is a legend, he is loved by our people and hopefully in the last months he can help us be there to the end.
“The way we play is quite similar without him but to win games we need players like Kevin or Erling [Haaland].
“After eight years together we know exactly what we have to do, he sees something special in the final third. That is not tactical but talent.”
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