Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench to score the equalizer and assist Oscar Bobb’s stoppage-time winner as Manchester City took down Newcastle United 3-2 at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Bernardo Silva put City in front after 26 minutes of what became a pulsating encounter in Northeast England, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring three minutes apart to put the Magpies ahead going into the break.
[ MORE: Does KDB return make Man City inevitable? ]
Enter De Bruyne, who had not played a Premier League match since suffering an injury in Week 1 versus Burnley. Less than a half-hour later, City had screamed to the rooftops that they are back.... even without Erling Haaland.
The Citizens left for Saudi Arabia in a slump but beat Urawa Reds and Fluminense by a combined 7-0 score line before rolling through Everton, Sheffield United, and FA Cup opponent Huddersfield Town back on home soil.
[ MORE: Premier League table — Standings from 2023-24 season ]
This win, however, speaks with much more volume. The Magpies had been down in recent weeks but are also a force at St. James’ Park even in the face of injuries to Callum Wilson, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Nick Pope and others.
Man City moves second on the table with 43 points, two back of Liverpool and one clear of Aston Villa. Newcastle’s top-four hopes take another hit, as their 29 points put them 10th following Chelsea’s early morning win over Fulham.
Kevin De Bruyne’s warning shot (and pass)
It only took a moment for Kevin De Bruyne to remind the world what he brings to one of the very best sides to ever hit a Premier League pitch.
Entering the game in the 69th minute, the Belgian and his new, longer flaxen hair needed just five minutes to turn a 2-1 deficit to a 2-2 deadlock.
De Bruyne’s low finish was beyond the reach of a diving Martin Dubravka and had an air of inevitability. And perhaps it should’ve been considering foreshadowing, because De Bruyne’s assist on Bobb’s winner will duel with the youngster’s finish as to which part was more sensational.
“I said thank you to him after,” Bobb said after the game. “He’s the only one in the world who could do that so to play with him is great. Not only one of the greatest players in the Premier League. He’s also like a very nice guy, helps the young lads a lot. He’s one of our captains so he definitely helps strengthen the team.”
The Premier League’s perennial assist leader is back, and capable of turning any team performance into a point or three.
Did the rest of the league waste City’s time without him?
What’s next?
Man City rests until an FA Cup fourth-round match at Tottenham on Friday, January 26. Their next Premier League game is January 31 versus Burnley.
Newcastle has an FA Cup affair at Fulham on January 27 before going to Aston Villa three days later to restart Premier League action.
Newcastle vs Manchester City player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Manchester City player ratings (fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Manchester City player ratings (fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Manchester City updates, final score: 2-3
Goal: Silva (26'), Isak (35'), Gordon (37'), De Bruyne (74'), Bobb (90+1')
Oscar Bobb goal: KDB the maestro as Bobb delivers dazzling dribble
De Bruyne’s pass is magnificent. He opens the lid on Newcastle’s back line but young Oscar Bobb has a lot to do to become a match-winner.
The 20-year-old with four senior caps for Norway, takes the ball down and beats Dubravka with feet so fast that the ball looks like it had to be touched by Dubravka.
It wasn’t. Bobb simply took one more touch than the eye could instantly detect. City’s on the path to three points.
Kevin De Bruyne goal (video): Magic man equalizes
The Belgian is very much back.
Still not fit to start, Kevin De Bruyne comes off the bench and goes pinpoint with a low shot beyond the reach of Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle stuns with quickfire double: Isak, Gordon score
From nothing!
Bruno Guimaraes springs Alexander Isak with a sensational pass over the top. The Swede keeps his cool despite a bit of a clunky start to his dribble, cutting inside for a spellbinding sweep inside the far post.
The Magpies’ celebrations are barely over when Isak’s press turns City over and Dan Burn immediately picks out Anthony Gordon with the loose ball.
The former Everton man hits a pretty shot past Stefan Ortega and it’s 2-1.
Ortega gets his moment a few minutes later by stopping Isak on a partial breakaway. This is a wild one. Tune in now.
Bernardo Silva goal (video): Back heel opener for visitors
What a finish.
Kyle Walker zips down the right side to receive a pass and sends a low cross toward the six.
Bernardo Silva sweeps his right leg behind his left, sending the ball past Martin Dubravka for a terrific opening goal.
Newcastle’s players and the St. James’ Park crowd are furious as Anthony Gordon was injured on the sideline prior to possession changing, and no foul was called nor time taken for Gordon’s treatment.
1-0, Manchester City.
Ederson injured in chaotic opening
Newcastle scores through Sean Longstaff but playmaker Alexander Isak was offside in the build-up and the flag goes up shortly after the ball crosses the line.
Of more concern for Man City is goalkeeper Ederson, who was injured by a sliding Kyle Walker just as Longstaff knifed it home.
He tries to play on but nearly gives away a goal to Miguel Almiron’s press only for Bruno Guimaraes to whiff on 95% of his shot.
Stefan Ortega takes over at St. James’ Park.
How to watch Newcastle vs Manchester City live stream online, start time
Kickoff: 12:30pm ET Saturday
TV Channel: NBC
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com and Premier League on Peacock
Newcastle United lineup
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 👊#NEWMCI // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/irdaStgEIk
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 13, 2024
Manchester City lineup
Your City squad today! 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2024
XI | Ederson, Walker (C), Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Doku, Alvarez
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Phillips, Grealish, De Bruyne, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Susoho, Lewis#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/0ctFF70uc9
Newcastle United team news, injury update
Alexander Isak has been red hot of late, scoring in Newcastle’s last three games. Along with Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman, the Magpies have difference makers at all three levels.
OUT: Sandro Tonali (suspension), Joelinton (thigh), Nick Pope (shoulder), Callum Wilson (calf), Harvey Barnes (foot), Matt Targett (thigh), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Javi Manquillo (groin), Joe Willock (achilles) | QUESTIONABLE: Jacob Murphy (shoulder)
Manchester City team news, injury update
Kevin De Bruyne’s return gives the Citizens unreal strength up the center of the park, even if Erling Haaland is unable to return (His status for Saturday is unclear). Julian Alvarez has been fantastic for most of the season.
OUT: Erling Haaland (foot), John Stones (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Jack Grealish (illness), Manuel Akanji (knock)
