Kevin De Bruyne made a triumphant return to the starting lineup for Manchester City, scoring one goal and assisting another in a decisive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. This win marked a much-needed turnaround for City, who had been struggling with a four-match losing streak in the Premier League.
Alongside De Bruyne’s impressive performance, Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku also found the back of the net, helping to lift Pep Guardiola’s squad to provisional fourth in the league standings, while Forest slipped to seventh.
De Bruyne’s first start since suffering an abdominal injury on September 18 was pivotal. His impact was felt right from the start, as he assisted Silva’s opening goal in the eighth minute. The Belgian star then scored himself in the 31st minute with a powerful shot from just inside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Doku. Doku later sealed the victory in the 57th minute with a stunning goal following a long assist from Erling Haaland.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of the victory for both the club and the players: “We needed it… to break this routine of not winning games, and finally we won.” There had been speculation regarding the relationship between De Bruyne and Guardiola due to the player’s injury history, but the manager showed confidence in the 33-year-old by giving him the captain’s armband, a move that De Bruyne honored with a stellar display.
Forest had their chances, most notably when Chris Wood squandered a golden opportunity to equalize, shooting wide in a one-on-one situation against goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Notably, Ortega delivered a crucial save against Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the match, demonstrating why he was chosen over Ederson for a second consecutive game.
This victory not only revitalizes City’s hopes but also highlights the team’s resilience and ability to overcome recent struggles. With De Bruyne back in form and the squad regaining confidence, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.
In summary, De Bruyne’s return and standout performance was a beacon of hope for Manchester City, showcasing the potential for a resurgence in their season and reaffirming their position as contenders in the league.