Kevin De Bruyne inspired a Manchester City fightback on his first taste of Premier League action for five months to beat Newcastle 3-2 and close to within two points of the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

The Belgian came off the bench to score and set up Oscar Bobb’s stoppage-time winner to announce his comeback from a long-term hamstring injury in style.

A cruel late twist for Newcastle saw Eddie Howe’s men succumb to a sixth defeat in their last seven Premier League games.

But a point would have been more than Newcastle deserved after being thoroughly outplayed for two goals in two first-half minutes that threatened to frustrate the champions.

Victory takes City up to second in the table, two points behind Liverpool, and ominously poised to strike when they return from a two-week winter break, by which point Erling Haaland may be fit to join De Bruyne in terrorising opposition defences.

A frantic encounter got off to a disrupted start as City goalkeeper Ederson was injured in his attempt to stop Sean Longstaff from putting the ball into the net.

The goal was ruled out as Alexander Isak was clearly offside in the build-up and City was furious the flag was not raised earlier to prevent any damage from being done to the Brazilian.

And another wonderful pass over the top for Bobb created the winner.

The young Norwegian still had plenty to do but showed quick feet to round Dubravka and tap into an unguarded net to spark wild scenes of celebration from City boss Pep Guardiola.

In contrast to City’s jubilation, another defeat for Newcastle may have realistically ended their hopes of a top-four finish as they slip to 10th, still 11 points adrift of the Champions League places. (AFP)

• Manchester City's Norwegian midfielder #52 Oscar Bobb (C) scores their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City

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