Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne sparked a late comeback 3-2 victory for his side at Newcastle United on Saturday in his first Premier League action since the opening day of the season. City now sit second in the table with 43 points, two clear of leaders Liverpool, while Newcastle's fourth straight loss put them on 10th with 29.

The Belgian midfielder, out since August because of a hamstring injury, came off the bench in the 69th minute with City trailing 2-1 and equalized with a clinical low finish. He then played the perfect pass in stoppage time for fellow substitute Oscar Bobb to secure the three points that moved champions City into second place.

"That was really good, sometimes it is better winning that way," said City manager Pep Guardiola.

"We played with a huge personality. They showed me they want to be there, to fight until the end, that they want to retain the title," he added. 

Guardiola's side dominated for the opening half-hour but lacked the poise of De Bruyne or presence of Haaland up front to turn their possession into a cutting edge. When City did break the deadlock, it took a moment of brilliance from Bernardo Silva, who backheeled Kyle Walker's low cross into the far corner on 26 minutes.

Moments later only a brilliant save from Martin Dubravka turned another sweet strike from Silva onto the post. However, the match was transformed in a stunning two-minute period just before half-time.

Bruno Guimaraes cut open the City backline with one pass that freed Isak, who cut inside Walker and curled brilliantly into the far corner. Seconds later, the Swede's strike was surpassed as Anthony Gordon followed a similar route by turning inside onto his right foot and firing into the far corner.

City restored their control of the game at the start of the second period, but again lacked a punch in attack until De Bruyne made his return to Premier League action for the first time since the opening day of the season.

(With input from Reuters, AFP)