Manchester City emphatically ended their troubling seven-game winless streak with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium, powered by a vintage Kevin De Bruyne performance that served as a reminder of the Belgian maestro’s invaluable influence on the team’s success.
In a display that helped quiet recent doubts about the champions’ form, De Bruyne demonstrated why his return to the starting lineup was so eagerly anticipated. Making his first start in almost three months, he orchestrated the opening goal for Bernardo Silva before finding the net himself in a performance that highlighted exactly what City had been missing during their recent struggles.
The victory came at a crucial moment for Pep Guardiola’s side, who had slipped 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool before kickoff. Guardiola, who had earlier dismissed speculation about tension with De Bruyne, was vindicated in his team selection as his side produced a performance reminiscent of their dominant best.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their authority, breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes through Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder was perfectly positioned to convert after De Bruyne had intelligently directed Ilkay Gundogan’s cross back across goal, demonstrating the Belgian’s ability to influence play even without directly providing the assist.
The match featured an interesting subplot in goal, where Stefan Ortega retained his place despite Guardiola’s pre-match assertion that Ederson remains his first-choice goalkeeper. Ortega justified his selection with a crucial save from Morgan Gibbs-White when the game was still delicately poised.
Forest, who have impressed under Nuno Espirito Santo this season, had their moments to make it a different story. Chris Wood, whose goalscoring form has been instrumental in their strong campaign, squandered a golden opportunity when faced with only Ortega to beat. It was the kind of chance that Forest would rue as City’s quality began to tell.
De Bruyne’s goal on 31 minutes epitomized his class, as he collected Jeremy Doku’s pass inside the area before executing a precise finish into the top corner. The goal showcased not just his finishing ability but his intelligent movement and timing, characteristics that have defined his career at the highest level.
While Erling Haaland’s goal drought extended to three Premier League games, the Norwegian striker still contributed meaningfully, providing the assist for Doku’s goal which completed the scoring. The young Belgian winger’s finish, cutting inside before finding the far corner, demonstrated the depth of attacking talent at Guardiola’s disposal.
The remainder of the match saw De Bruyne continue to threaten, coming close with a free-kick and being denied a second goal by his Belgian international teammate Matz Sels. When he was substituted 15 minutes from time, the standing ovation he received from the Etihad faithful reflected both his performance and their relief at having him back in the team.
Unlike their recent Champions League encounter with Feyenoord, where they surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3, City maintained their composure and control throughout the closing stages. The clean sheet provided additional satisfaction on a night that felt like a significant step toward recapturing their best form.
The victory carries City back into the Premier League’s top four, now nine points behind Liverpool with their game in hand. For Forest, despite the defeat leaving them in sixth place and four points off the Champions League positions, their overall season trajectory remains positive.
As City look ahead to the crucial final months of the season, De Bruyne’s return to form and fitness could prove pivotal in their pursuit of more silverware. On this evidence, his ability to control games and create opportunities remains undiminished, offering hope that City’s temporary dip in form may indeed prove just that – temporary.
