The Belgian midfielder was at his inspirational best against the Potters and though he didn’t get on the score-sheet himself, his influence was felt everywhere as City moved the top of the Premier League.
Brazilian Jesus hit a brace with Raheem Sterling, David Silva, Leroy Sane, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva also on target.
And Jesus was quick to salute De Bruyne’s key role in City’s stunning win.
“I’m really happy and pleased to be playing with high-level players like him. We all feel lucky to have him in our team,” said Gabriel.
“We have been working hard and face every game to win and score lots of goals. We’re really happy with how we are playing.
We are very happy with our home performance, but it’s the whole performance of the team.
“We are playing well this season and I think the fans are enjoying it; I think that is more important than scoring lots of goals.
“We have been working and training hard, we face every game trying to win. There might be times this season that is difficult (to maintain), but at the end of the day we need to do what we can do. If we train well we will get our results at the end of the season.”
