Manchester City ended their seven-match winless streak in emphatic fashion as Kevin De Bruyne delivered a masterclass in a 3-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
The Belgian maestro set up Bernardo Silva’s opener, scored City’s second, and watched as Jeremy Doku added a third, sealing a much-needed win for the reigning English champions.
City’s poor run, which included six defeats, had left them 11 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool before kick-off. However, De Bruyne’s return to the starting line-up after nearly three months ensured a return to form at the Etihad Stadium.
The victory moved City back into the top four and within nine points of Liverpool, who were held to a 3-3 draw at Newcastle earlier in the evening.
De Bruyne’s Influence
Manager Pep Guardiola dismissed rumours of a rift with De Bruyne before the match, having eased the midfielder back into action with a series of substitute appearances.
The 33-year-old proved his worth with a vintage performance, reminding fans of what City had been missing during his absence. His creative flair and composure could easily have resulted in more than just one goal.
Guardiola responded to Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool with four changes, bringing in Josko Gvardiol, Doku, and Jack Grealish alongside De Bruyne.
City needed just eight minutes to break the deadlock. Ilkay Gundogan’s cross was headed back across goal by De Bruyne, allowing Silva to tap in from close range.
Key Saves and Missed Chances
Despite the win, City had to withstand early pressure. Guardiola stuck with Stefan Ortega in goal, preferring him over Ederson, and the German repaid the manager’s faith with a vital save from Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest then squandered a golden opportunity to equalise when Chris Wood, in fine form this season, fired wide with only Ortega to beat.
City doubled their lead on 31 minutes, with De Bruyne calmly slotting into the top corner after a clever pass from Doku.
Haaland and Doku Shine
Erling Haaland extended his Premier League goal drought to three games but made his mark with an assist for Doku’s third. The Belgian winger cut inside and drilled a superb shot into the far corner, capping a commanding performance.
De Bruyne nearly added a second goal, curling a free-kick narrowly wide and forcing a save from his international teammate Matz Sels. The Etihad faithful rewarded him with a standing ovation as he left the pitch 15 minutes from time.
Controlled Finish
Unlike their recent Champions League collapse from 3-0 up against Feyenoord, City maintained control in the closing stages, securing a clean sheet and a confidence-boosting win.
For Nottingham Forest, the defeat leaves them sixth in the table, now four points adrift of the top four. Meanwhile, City look to have rediscovered their rhythm as they continue their pursuit of Liverpool at the summit.