Kevin de Bruyne came off the bench and played a starring role as Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 3-2 on Saturday evening.
Premier League
Result: Newcastle United 2-3 Manchester City
Date: 13 January 2024
Venue: St Jame's Park
Man City were still without Erling Haaland, as Jeremy Doku was recalled in place Jack Grealish to partner Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez while Ruben Dias also returned as two changes from their 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
The Citizens had a shaky start, as goalkeeper Ederson picked up a knock in the opening exchanges and was replaced by Stefan Ortega.
Pep Guardiola's charges only started to get into rhythm after 15 minutes and Bernardo Silva eventually gave them the lead shortly before the half-hour mark with a deft back-heeled finish from a low cross by Kyle Walker.
Newcastle were fired up and Alexander Isak levelled matters ten minutes before the interval with a curled shot in the box after he was teed up by Bruno Guimaraes.
The Magpies used their momentum well as Anthony Gordon also produced a moment of brilliance three minutes later with his own curler in the box.
Man City were all over Eddie Howe's men from the break and created chances but they did not have the killer-instinct.
Guardiola eventually brought on Kevin De Bruyne with 21 minutes remaining for his Premier League return since his injury in place of Silva.
De Bruyne made an immediate impact, as he marked his return with the equaliser for City 16 minutes before time after angling a low strike in the box beyond goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
City had the momentum and Rodri came close to snatching the winner in the last six minutes with a powerful curling shot in the box that was well saved by Dubravka.
The Citizens' pressure eventually paid off in stoppage time after late substitute Oscar Bobb found the winner with a clever finish in the box after a through ball over the top by De Bruyne.
The win took Guardiola's troops up to second on the table, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
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