KDB running the show, Jack with a smile on his face...That's more like it

KEVIN de Bruyne is back and making up for lost time a goal and assist in the first half brought back shades of Newcastle away last season, and City will hope that he shows the form he did after that heroic return last season.

- JOE BRAY

It can't come a moment too soon - City immediately looked more fluent and confident in attack with their talisman pulling the strings.

Talk of a rift this week between De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola were ridiculed by the manager and the Belgian's selection from the start further dismantled the unfounded speculation of Carragher, Neville, Lineker and co.

Guardiola and the Blues waited patiently for De Bruyne to return, even when they desperately needed him. That policy looks wise as De Bruyne was running the show against Nottingham Forest.

It was telling, too, that some outof-form team-mates upped their game alongside him.