Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola called Kevin de Bruyne a legend and feels the veteran Belgian can lead the club’s title charge. The experienced midfielder played a key role in Manchester City’s comeback win of 3-2 against Newcastle United.

The 32-year-old came on as a substitute in the 69th minute and helped City draw level at 2-2 after five minutes. De Bruyne’s then assisted Oscar Bobb’s goal in the stoppage time to help the Cityzens take the decisive lead.

“He is a legend,” said Guardiola. “I had the feeling he is not ready for 90 minutes after five months so we have that situation, impact in the last minutes.

“The goal and the assist, he is loved by our people and hopefully in the last months he can help us be there to the end.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City had their backs against the wall when Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored in a space of two minutes in the opening half. City are now two points behind table-toppers Liverpool.

“The team is alive,” he said.

“Why should we not try it again? We won three [titles] in a row, five in the last six, so why not? It’s really important because Liverpool are flying over the last month and we have to go to Anfield so it’s better to be close to them.”

On the other hand, City’s goalkeeper Ederson suffered an injury in the first five minutes of play and it was a big blow for the club.

“He has a big knock,” said the City manager.

“I didn’t speak to the doctor. But just a knock, he will be fine as he doesn’t play for 10 days.”

Manchester City will next take on Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 26th January.