Manchester City snapped a frustrating seven-game winless streak with a resounding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, with Kevin De Bruyne delivering a standout performance. The Belgian maestro orchestrated Bernardo Silva’s opener, scored a sublime second, and set the stage for Jeremy Doku to seal a much-needed win for the Premier League champions.

The result marked a return to form for City, whose barren run included six defeats and left them trailing league leaders Liverpool by 11 points before kick-off. With De Bruyne back in the starting lineup for the first time in nearly three months, Pep Guardiola’s men moved into the top four, now just nine points off the summit after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Newcastle.

Guardiola addressed speculation of a rift with De Bruyne in the build-up to the game, dismissing concerns after easing the 33-year-old back into action with substitute appearances. On the pitch, De Bruyne wasted no time proving his value, rolling back the years with a commanding display.

City opened the scoring just eight minutes in when Ilkay Gundogan’s cross was cleverly headed back by De Bruyne for Silva to tap home from close range. Forest threatened to level when Morgan Gibbs-White tested Stefan Ortega and Chris Wood squandered a golden opportunity, but De Bruyne doubled City’s lead on 31 minutes, slotting home with characteristic precision after a well-timed pass from Doku.

Doku added the third midway through the second half, cutting inside from the wing to curl a shot into the far corner following an assist from Erling Haaland. The Norwegian, despite going three league games without a goal, contributed significantly to City’s attacking fluidity.

City’s defense, bolstered by Stefan Ortega in goal, ensured there was no repeat of their recent 3-3 collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League. Ortega’s key saves and Forest’s profligacy helped Guardiola’s side preserve a rare clean sheet, offering a much-needed confidence boost.

The victory provides a morale lift for Manchester City as they look to reignite their Premier League title challenge. Nottingham Forest, now in sixth, remain four points off the top four but will rue missed chances that could have changed the outcome at the Etihad. For Guardiola and his men, the night signaled a return to “normal service,” with De Bruyne’s commanding presence reminding the league of the heights City can achieve when their star playmaker is fit and firing.