Kevin De Bruyne says City have plenty to play for in the coming months.

The defending champions were at their classy best against Arsenal, particularly in the first half where the Gunners were fortunate to go in at half-time trailing by only three goals.

The Belgian maestro was at his sparkling best at the Emirates - now he says City just need to rack up the wins and keep fighting.

“We know we have not been at our best this year, but we keep on fighting and there’s still a lot of games to play for us,” said De Bruyne.

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“Other teams lost points around us, so it was good to get to win today.

“Every time you lose a game, you try to show a reaction in the next one, even though this year we have lost points, every time we come back with a win.

“Every performance you have to be critical of yourself - some are better than others - and at this level, the small details make the difference.

_ Kevin De Bruyne applauds his goal - or more likely the work of Phil Foden in the build-up
_ Kevin De Bruyne applauds his goal - or more likely the work of Phil Foden in the build-up

“I think the first five minutes we were a bit unstable, but the game shifted and we scored two good goals.

“The first 20 of second half was sloppy, but rest was good. To come here win 3-0 and keep a clean sheet is good.”

The Belgian’s brace in the 3-0 win over the Gunners took his tally for the campaign to six – and he was a coat of paint away from scoring his first hat-trick since October 2011 when he bagged a treble against Club Bruges for Genk.

“The first goal was down to technique,” he revealed. “The ball came to me with a bounce and I tried to keep composed as it was difficult to keep the ball as low as possible.

“I tried to keep composed and not lean too much backwards. It was just low enough to put it under the bar.

 

“The second goal is a little similar, the keeper doesn’t really see the ball and it gives him less reaction time.

“It’s a long time since I scored a hat-trick and it would been be nice, but to score twice and to come here and win is really important.

“Overall. it was really good performance and reaction.”