SIMPLY DE BEST

And it's all because Kevin had a rest, says Pep

- DAVID MCDONNELL

PEP GUARDIOLA reckons Kevin De Bruyne is back to his best because the Manchester City star has been able to recharge his batteries this season.

De Bruyne was world class in the midweek 4-1 rout of main rivals Arsenal, scoring twice and setting up another, as City took command of the title race.

Only last month, Guardiola told him to go "back to basics" to rediscover his best form, after the Belgium playmaker's sluggish displays for City when he returned from illness.

De Bruyne, 31, was taken off after 65 minutes of City's 2-0 win over Newcastle last month, but has responded in the right way, with three goals and five assists in his last four league games.