Kevin De Bruyne marked his first start since September with a goal and an assist in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The Belgian midfielder expressed his satisfaction with the performance, especially following a difficult stretch of four consecutive Premier League losses. “It’s just important that we won a game,” De Bruyne said. “We started well, created opportunities, and although we made some mistakes, I’m happy with the overall performance.”

De Bruyne has been easing back into action after recovering from a groin strain that sidelined him for a month. Despite the challenges, including ongoing injuries to several key players, he emphasized the importance of regaining momentum. “It’s been a tough time, but we tried to change things around. Unfortunately, we’ve had some injuries, but we’ll recover quickly,” he noted.

In addition to his attacking contribution, De Bruyne was also pleased with City’s defensive performance. The team kept a clean sheet for the first time in eight matches across all competitions, despite allowing a few chances to Forest. “We gave away a couple of chances, but I think the second half was much better,” he reflected.

Manchester City’s victory was crucial for their hopes of maintaining a strong position in the Premier League, especially with key players like Rodri absent for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. The result lifted City to fourth in the standings with 26 points, giving them renewed confidence as they prepare for their next match against Crystal Palace.

Looking ahead, De Bruyne and his teammates will aim to build on this performance and continue their push for a fifth consecutive league title. “We’ll take it game by game, try to recover, and focus on the next challenge,” De Bruyne concluded.