Kevin De Bruyne has broken yet another assist record after inspiring Manchester City to a crucial 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The playmaker picked up two assists after setting up both Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland as champions City moved just a point behind current leaders Arsenal.
Gvardiol rose highest to nod home De Bruyne’s inviting corner in the first half and the talisman later turned provider once again after slotting Haaland through.
Haaland, marking his return from injury, made no mistake in tucking a neat finish beyond goalkeeper Matz Sels and wrapping up all three points for the visitors.
He then wheeled away to celebrate with De Bruyne, who was able to toast history.
Kevin De Bruyne broke another assist record as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest
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Indeed, De Bruyne’s display marked the 18th occasion he had assisted more than one goal in a top-flight game, more times than any player in the competition’s history.
De Bruyne, 32, has scored six goals and registered 16 assists in 21 matches for City across all competitions this season, an impressive haul in light of his injury woes.
City are now favourites to clinch the Premier League title once again but Pep Guardiola admitted his side were ‘incredibly fortunate’ to beat a wasteful Forest.
Chris Wood squandered two golden openings for the relegation-threatened hosts at the City Ground while Neco Williams and Murillo were denied from close range.
Curiously, Guardiola believes these chances were missed because of a dry pitch.
De Bruyne (left) set up goals for Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol at the City Ground
Pep Guardiola believes City were fortunate to beat from Forest and benefitted from a dry pitch
‘It was really hard, harder than last season when we drew here,’ Guardiola said.
‘We knew before the game that was going to happen and we were so lucky and fortunate today that the pitch was so dry and high.
‘With the chances they had with a better pitch condition they would have scored. We were incredibly fortunate for that.
‘Nothing was wrong with the pitch. It was dry from the weather and that helped us.
‘When we play at home we decide the way we play, when we play away we adapt. We were lucky that the chances they had they could not contact with the ball.’
