da spicy bet: The Belgian was the architect of a superb turnaround for Pep Guardiola's side, scoring the equaliser before laying on the winner for Oscar Bobb
da gbg bet: Everything felt like it was falling into place for Manchester City even before they had kicked a ball at Newcastle due to Kevin De Bruyne's long-awaited return, with the Belgian then inspiring an incredible comeback win after coming off the bench.
It now feels like a case of when rather than if City will win a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Pep Guardiola's side produced one of their best performances of the season in a stunning first-half display at St James' Park and took the lead with an audacious backheeled finish from Bernardo Silva.
But then the champions inexplicably found themselves behind after brilliant goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in the space of three minutes. So Guardiola turned to De Bruyne and the assist king, making his first Premier League appearance in five months, duly delivered.
De Bruyne stroked the ball into the net to level the match and then in injury time he played an outrageous pass to Oscar Bobb, who calmly danced the ball into the net. City were dancing at full-time and celebrated like they had won the title. It felt like they had.
GOAL rates Man City's players from St James' Park…
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Ederson (N/A):
Came off in the eighth minute after an injury caused by the damaging VAR protocol on offside flags.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Excellent going forward and set up Bernardo's goal but easily beaten by Isak.
Ruben Dias (4/10):
Run ragged by Isak. Another sloppy display against a top opponent.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Good in possession and out of it.
Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
Some good moments but still lacking positional awareness and footballing intelligence.
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Rodri (6/10):
Very physical and really put himself about, to the anger of Newcastle's players.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Moved the ball about superbly and has taken very little time to assimilate City's style.
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Scored an outrageous backheeled strike and helped City dominate first half but couldn't impose himself after the break and was taken off for De Bruyne
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Phil Foden (8/10):
Dictated City's play and weaved his usual magic.
Julian Alvarez (5/10):
Worked hard but was wasteful in front of goal, missing a real sitter when he skied a shot over the bar with Martin Dubravka down.
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
Gave Newcastle a lot to think about but didn't have a cutting edge.
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Stefan Ortega (5/10):
Dodgy passing but made fine saves in each half to thwart Isak. Beaten by two brilliant finishes.
Kevin De Bruyne (9/10):
City were losing when he came on, they were 3-2 up by the end and it was down to his goal and his assist. Enough said.
Oscar Bobb (8/10):
What a time to score his first Premier League goal. Had ice in his veins as he shuffled past Dubravka.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
His substitutions won the game and his team-talk must have helped too as after the break City played like the title was on the line.