Kevin De Bruyne inspires comeback as Man City claim late win at Newcastle
Kevin De Bruyne scored on his Premier League return (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench to inspire Manchester City to a 3-2 comeback victory over Newcastle as Oscar Bobb snatched a late winner.
City were trailing 2-1 at St James’ Park when De Bruyne was sent on as a 69th-minute replacement for Bernardo Silva, but he scored within five minutes before setting up fellow substitute Bobb to snatch victory in stoppage time at the end of a thrilling encounter.
Bernardo Silva had given the visitors an early lead with a cheeky flick in front of a crowd of 52,198, but stunning finishes from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon had the Magpies scenting victory until the Belgium international’s introduction.
Oscar Bobb scores the winner (Owen Humphreys/PA)
The win lifted City, who dominated for long periods but were vulnerable on the counter, into second place in the Premier League table above Aston Villa, who play on Sunday.
Eddie Howe’s men thought they had got off to a fine start when Kieran Trippier lifted the ball over the top for Isak to cross for Sean Longstaff to fire home, but a late offside flag ended the celebrations while City goalkeeper Ederson needed treatment after colliding with Kyle Walker.
Miguel Almiron charged down the ailing keeper’s hurried clearance soon after, but neither he nor Gordon were able to take full advantage with the visitors in disarray.
City’s problems grew seconds later when Ederson had to leave the field to be replaced by Stefan Ortega.
However after a shaky start, Pep Guardiola’s side settled into their slick passing game, although Ruben Dias did just enough to put off Isak in front of goal after Trippier had played Miguel Almiron in behind full-back Josko Gvardiol once again.
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