Newcastle United 2-3 Manchester City: 5 Hits and Flops as defending champs complete comeback win | Premier League 2023-24

Kevin De Bruyne's sensational cameo off the bench powered Manchester City as they beat Newcastle United 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday, January 13.

Eddie Howe's side were looking to halt their slide after losing their last three league games in a row. They made a single change from their FA Cup win over Sunderland, with Luke Miley replacing the injured Joelinton.

Manchester City, meanwhile, made a host of changes as Pep Guardiola named a stronger lineup following their win over Huddersfield in the FA Cup. The likes of Ederson, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, and Bernardo Silva all returned to the lineup.

However, the Cityzens were still missing superstar striker Erling Haaland owing to a foot injury.

The hosts thought they took the lead inside the first two minutes when Sean Longstaff scored but the midfielder was offside. However, Ederson injured himself trying to save the shot in a collision with Walker and was replaced minutes later.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 26th minute, finding the back of the net with a neat flick. Walker found the Portugal international who improvised well to make it 1-0.

Newcastle found a leveler in the 35th minute with a quick move. Bruno Guimaraes found Alexander Isak who beat Walker before finishing coolly past Stefan Ortega.

Just two minutes later, Anthony Gordon made it 2-1 with a similar goal to the Magpies' opener. He was set up by Dan Burn down the left flank and made no mistake to get the lead.

Manchester City applied huge amounts of pressure in the second half as they looked to get back into the game. De Bruyne was brought on in the 69th minute and made an instant impact just two minutes later.

He dribbled past defenders and unleashed a sweet strike from the edge of the box into the bottom corner to make it 2-2 in the 71st minute.

Guardiola's side were relentless in their pursuit of the winner and it was the Belgian who made the difference again. He found substitute Oscar Bobb with a brilliant ball over the top and the youngster rounded the keeper and scored to make it 3-2 in the 91st minute.

City made it six wins in a row in all competitions, while Newcastle have lost six of their last seven. Here are five hits and flops from the game.

#5. Hit - Alexander Isak

Despite the loss, Isak put in a great performance. His speed off the ball was a major threat to Manchester City's high line and he capitalized, bagging his 10th Premier League goal. He has already matched his goal tally from last season and has excelled despite the Magpies' tough run.

#4. Flop - Kyle Walker

It seemed to be a good start for the right-back, who bagged an assist for Bernardo Silva's opener. However, he struggled defensively against the pace of Isak and Gordon and was probably at fault for both of Newcastle's goals.

He was dispossessed eight times in the match and didn't win any of the three aerial duels in the match.

#3. Hit - Bernardo Silva

The Portugal international continues to be a key piece for Pep Guardiola. He opened the scoring with a brilliant backheel flick and almost doubled his tally just minutes later with a beautifully struck volley.

He was a constant attacking threat, finishing with three shots, 15 passes into the final third, and four accurate long balls.

#2. Flop - Jeremy Doku

The Belgian winger had an off-night as he struggled to create an impact with his usual direct running and dribbling. He was dispossessed six times and failed to complete a single dribble as he was completely shut down on the night.

#1. Hit - Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City owe their three points to a stunning cameo from the Belgian who came on for the last 20 minutes. Similar to their FA Cup win, he had an instant impact, this time getting on the scoresheet before setting up the winner with a fantastic pass.

He had 35 touches on the ball in the short period that he was involved in the match and made three key passes in them. Though he could only make one accurate cross out of nine, the latter number is a testament to him being very active on the right flank.