Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola lauds returning Kevin de Bruyne and special Oscar Bobb

NEWCASTLE – Pep Guardiola is familiar with Kevin de Bruyne's magic, so he was perhaps not surprised to see the Belgian inspire Manchester City to

a 3-2 win at Newcastle United on Jan 13

and lift his side two points behind English Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Spaniard, however, was not just waxing lyrical about the returning Belgian after a thrilling victory, he had warm words for Norwegian youngster Oscar Bobb, whose goal from de Bruyne's assist secured the points in stoppage time.

The 20-year-old’s first Premier League goal completed a thrilling comeback for City, who had taken the lead through Bernardo Silva but then shipped two goals to a fired-up Newcastle side.

De Bruyne came off the bench in the 69th minute for his first league action since being injured on the opening day of the season and equalised five minutes later.

Bobb, who was sent on in the 82nd minute, showed dazzling footwork to capitalise on de Bruyne’s pass.

“I am a little bit upset and grumpy with him because he didn’t score from the free kick,” Guardiola joked, when asked to sum up de Bruyne’s impact. “When opponents are more tired, Kevin and Oscar provide more pace at the end.

“Oscar’s was a fantastic goal for the control. We were really impressed in pre-season. I knew from information for the second team he was special.

“When Kevin has the ball and we have runners, Kevin is unique in the world but the finish by Oscar, I am so, so happy for him.”

Bobb joined City’s youth ranks from Valerenga in 2019 and has been given his chance this season.

“Amazing feeling. Just watching from the bench, it was a high-tempo match. The manager told me to come on and score, so thankfully I could,” he said. “It’s a lifelong dream and to do it with the best team in the world, I can’t describe it. This win is for the fans.”

Bobb will no doubt play a role over the coming months as City hunt a fourth successive league title, but the 32-year-old de Bruyne's return from his hamstring injury could prove to be the pivotal moment.

The five-time Premier League winner said he has used the time away to add something to his game.

“I didn’t know what to expect, I’ve never experienced this. I worked really hard and had to change a couple of things,” he said.

“When you play all of the time, it’s very hard to change things. I’m not someone who stands still. I enjoyed myself being able to do things I could never do. I worked hard to come back.”

Former City and England defender Micah Richards added on the BBC: “We talk about lots of players being world-class, but Kevin is different. It’s the way he reads games and reads situations. He always seems to gauge exactly what the game needs – and he delivers, all the time.”

The cruel late twist saw Eddie Howe’s men succumb to a sixth defeat in their last seven Premier League games.

But a point would have been more than what Newcastle deserved after being outplayed but for two goals in three first-half minutes via Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon that threatened to frustrate the champions.

“Their quality told in the end. De Bruyne is obviously a world-class player,” said Howe, who was publicly backed by the club’s chief executive Darren Eales last week.

“There’s not a lot wrong with our performances. You can see today we are a top team. The group are in a good place, I don’t see any negativity. I see hurt because we aren’t winning and that’s what we’re here to do.” REUTERS, AFP