Manchester City Reignite Winning Form with De Bruyne’s Heroic Return and Grealish’s Central Revival
After a difficult and inconsistent stretch, Manchester City have rediscovered their swagger, and it was evident for the first time in eight games. The catalyst for their resounding return to form was the return of one player: Kevin De Bruyne. His performance in the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest was a reminder of his importance to the side and how much City have missed his presence in the heart of their midfield. The Belgian maestro marked his return with a goal and an assist, pulling the strings in a manner that had been absent for far too long. Alongside De Bruyne, Jack Grealish’s surprising and effective shift into a central role helped to transform the attacking dynamics, bringing back memories of the scintillating football that City had been known for under Pep Guardiola.
De Bruyne’s Return: A Game-Changer for Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne’s return was long anticipated, and for good reason. His absence had been felt deeply by Manchester City, particularly in their recent struggles. The Belgian playmaker is more than just a creative force; he is the beating heart of City’s attack. In the first half against Nottingham Forest, De Bruyne showed just how vital he is to this team. A stunning assist and a composed goal reminded City fans of the brilliance that has often defined his career at the Etihad. His vision, his composure under pressure, and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game immediately made City look like the side they should be.
It wasn’t just his contributions on the ball that stood out; his leadership and the way he pulled others into the game made all the difference. For the first time in recent memory, Manchester City looked like the fluid attacking unit they had been last season, when De Bruyne was pulling the strings in the 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle. His return to form could not have come at a more crucial time, as City looked to recover from a disappointing run of results.
For Guardiola, the decision to start De Bruyne was a no-brainer, despite the recent speculation surrounding the player’s relationship with the manager. Just days before the match, pundits like Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, and Gary Lineker had stoked rumors of a rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola. However, Guardiola dismissed such claims, pointing to the fact that De Bruyne’s selection in the starting lineup was an unequivocal sign that the relationship between the two remained as strong as ever. Guardiola’s faith in De Bruyne has paid off, as the Belgian’s performance against Forest was instrumental in their return to winning ways.
Grealish’s Central Revival: A Step Towards Redemption?
While De Bruyne’s return was expected, one of the more surprising developments in the game was Jack Grealish’s role. Guardiola opted to deploy Grealish in a central attacking midfield role, a position the player had not occupied in a competitive Premier League match since his debut season in 2021. Prior to this game, Grealish had been mostly used as a left-winger, a role in which he had struggled with consistency, partly due to injury and partly because he hadn’t been able to replicate the creative form that made him such a star at Aston Villa.
Grealish’s struggles at City have often raised questions about why Guardiola has not made better use of his creative talents in the middle of the park. When Grealish was signed from Villa for £100 million, many assumed he would be a central figure in the team’s attacking setup. However, Guardiola’s tactical approach often saw him stationed on the left wing, where his primary role was not to score goals but to provide width, take on defenders, and link up play. Grealish’s effectiveness in this role was key to City’s treble-winning season in 2023, but it’s been a more difficult road for him since then.
The decision to move him into the middle was a bold one, but it paid off. Grealish looked like a man rejuvenated in a role that allowed him more freedom and responsibility. His link-up play with De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva was a highlight of the match. The trio combined beautifully with one-twos, overlaps, and intricate passing that caused Nottingham Forest’s defense all sorts of problems. Grealish was involved in everything good about City’s attacking play, and his performance showed glimpses of the player they thought they were signing three years ago.
It’s worth noting that Grealish was unlucky not to score in the game, with some of his shots narrowly missing the target. But his overall contribution, especially in the final third, was crucial in the team’s attacking fluidity. It was clear that when Grealish is allowed to express himself in a more central role, he brings a different dynamic to City’s attack. The South Stand chanted “Super Jack Grealish” throughout the match, and it was easy to see why. The England international played with a smile on his face, and for the first time in a long while, he looked like a player at ease with himself and his role in the team.
A Tactical Shift: Guardiola’s New System
Guardiola’s tactical adjustments were also key to City’s performance. The inclusion of Grealish in the center was just one of the changes the manager made to get his side back on track. Jeremy Doku was brought back into the starting lineup on the left, while Bernardo Silva was deployed more centrally on the right. These changes allowed for greater fluidity and movement in the attacking third, with players interchanging positions and creating more space for one another.
The change in formation allowed City to link their midfield and attack more effectively, creating a far more dangerous and dynamic setup. The interplay between De Bruyne, Grealish, Silva, and Erling Haaland looked far more fluid than it had in recent weeks, with the team looking more like the one that dominated English and European football last season. The new system allowed for better distribution and offensive pressure, making City a more complete and threatening side.
Looking Ahead: Can Grealish Stay in the Center?
The big question following this game is whether Grealish’s central role will become a permanent fixture in City’s tactical setup. Guardiola has been reluctant to use Grealish in this role, often opting for wingers like Riyad Mahrez and Doku in more advanced positions. However, Grealish’s performance against Forest may force the manager to reconsider. While it is unlikely that Guardiola will abandon his tactics completely, this game could mark the start of a more consistent run for Grealish in a central role.
If Grealish can build on this performance, he could offer a new dimension to City’s attack. His creativity, vision, and dribbling skills could provide much-needed support to De Bruyne and Haaland, helping City to become more potent in front of goal.
Conclusion: A Return to Winning Ways
Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest marked a much-needed return to form. De Bruyne’s triumphant return to the team was the catalyst, and Grealish’s central role proved to be a tactical masterstroke from Guardiola. With these two players firing, City look poised to reclaim their dominance and push forward in both domestic and European competitions. If Grealish can maintain this level of performance in the middle of the park, Guardiola’s decision may turn out to be the key to unlocking his full potential. For now, though, Manchester City fans can be hopeful once again, as their team begins to click back into gear.