'So happy he is back' - 'integral' De Bruyne 'one of best we've seen'

As Kevin de Bruyne made his way off the pitch after being replaced by Rico Lewis 16 minutes from the end of Manchester City's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola grabbed the Belgian and pulled him into an embrace.

It was like a father offering affection to his son at a job well done.

De Bruyne responded with a smile of satisfaction before continuing on his way to the top of the small terrace of City benches.

A day earlier, Guardiola scoffed at the suggestions of Sky Sports duo Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville that there was some kind of rift between the boss and his star man.

Why on earth, Guardiola countered, would he leave out someone who is capable of delivering moments like no-one else, even in his star-studded squad?

Finally back on the pitch to start a Premier League game for the first time since August, De Bruyne proved exactly what Guardiola meant.

On a night Guardiola conceded City had to win, it was the Belgian's firm header that created an eighth-minute opener for Bernardo Silva as they went on to finally end their seven-match winless run and close the gap to leaders Liverpool to nine points.

The goal from De Bruyne that followed was a thing of beauty as he backed away from Jeremy Doku as his fellow countryman ran with the ball, arriving in enough space to take the short pass and send his shot into the corner.

Afforded extra space by his manager's decision to play Jack Grealish alongside him in a central position, De Bruyne schemed in the way he usually does. As chances came and went, he was playing some significant role.

De Bruyne lasted 74 minutes, his longest match time since completing the full 90 minutes against Brentford on 14 September. He was on the bench when he was announced as man of the match, a decision received with enthusiasm by the City support.

"I am so happy he is back," said Guardiola. "He played 75 fantastic minutes.

"He deserves the best because he's a lovely guy and has been massively important for so many years since he arrived."