Manchester City’s Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is back and it opens up endless possibilities for Pep Guardiola’s side. The inspirational midfielder lifted his side to a famous 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle at St.James Park. His heroics secured a vital three points for the champions in what promises to be an enthralling second half of the Premier League season. He scored one and set up the winner for Oscar Bobb as the champions head to their midseason break on the back of 6 consecutive wins.
Trailing 2-1 in the 70th minute against Newcastle the champions needed a hero. It was the introduction of De Bruyne that changed the game. His impact was almost immediate as he equalised for Pep Guardiola’s side in the 74th minute. His goal was an encapsulation of everything that makes De Bruyne great. The technique, ability and coolness to fire home from 20 yards was on full display.
Guess who’s back! 🤷♂️@KevinDeBruyne 👑 pic.twitter.com/UTEiOdAAcI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2024
Then as the game entered stoppage time he was there again to provide a match-winning moment. He played in a ball only the Belgian playmaker could see to set up Oscar Bobb to win the game in the 91st minute. Bobb showed wonderful poise and technique to score the winner but it was De Bruyne’s vision and ability that made it possible.
Not a bad way to score your first @premierleague goal! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/JMkjuSBLX2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2024
With Kevin De Bruyne back and looking like he is back to his best it opens up all possibilities for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side has their match-winner back and his influence has been immediate. The scenes post-game with all of his teammates celebrating show how much he means to this City squad and crucial a victory it was for the treble winners.
What a game at St. James’ Park!
Man City edge a five-goal thriller over Newcastle with an injury time winner 💪 pic.twitter.com/OO5NGDj5R9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 13, 2024
De Bruyne’s return makes anything seem possible
With the champions seeking to defend their treble De Bruyne’s return changes the outlook of the season. His 21-minute cameo showed exactly what he can bring to the second half of the season. The champions now have their most influential player back and firing ahead of the second half of the season. While he isn’t fully fit yet his impact and quality can’t be measured. He has returned to the world champions at a time when they traditionally make their title charge. With the champions now only two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool they appear well placed to make a charge in the second half of the season.
While Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva and co. have led City to a good position for the second half of the season the return of De Bruyne adds another bonafide match-winner to Pep Guardiola’s arsenal. The possibilities are endless for this Manchester City side with De Bruyne back on the pitch.
If a season is defined by moments De Bruyne’s heroics yesterday may be looked back upon as a key moment in the 23/24 season.
