Having been out for five months after undergoing hamstring surgery last summer, City’s midfield marvel came off the bench as a second half substitute on Saturday for what his first Premier League appearance since August and helped inspire a dramatic 3-2 comeback win away at Newcastle.
De Bruyne first struck on 74 minutes to helped level affairs before his sumptuous 90th minute pass picked out fellow substitute Oscar Bobb who then guided home a brilliant St James’ Park winner.
It was another example – as if any were needed – of the Belgian’s world class quality.
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And Bernardo – who had opened the scoring in an enthralling encounter with a stunning first half strike of his own – believes the fact that De Bruyne has returned refreshed and reenergised after recuperating through the first half of the campaign – could make all the difference in City’s quest to become the first English side to win four consecutive top flight titles.
“Kevin a special player. He makes the difference in the final third and gives us that extra bit of quality in the part of the pitch where you have to make the right decisions,” Bernardo pointed out.
“On Saturday, in the 25 minutes [he was on], he gave us a goal and an assist - we’re really happy and it’s a big boost for us to have him back.
“For him to be fresh is good.
“He’s got a lot of energy to give us in the next five months to be a big boost in this Premier League title race.
“We’re happy to have him back.”
Further reflecting on what was a sensational game that highlighted just what makes the Premier League so compelling, Bernardo was also full of praise for City match winner Bobb.
The Academy graduate was brought on from the bench with eight minutes to go and the score level at 2-2.
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And the 20-year-old Norwegian international made a dramatic sudden impact, superbly guiding home a 90th minute winner after latching onto De Bruyne’s outstanding assist.
It was the Bobb’s first Premier League goal and for Bernardo no less than the youngster deserved.
“It was an amazing goal from a player that came from the Academy. I’m so happy for him because of the way he works and he’s a big talent,” Bernardo added.
“It’s not easy to come through our team and he’s been doing it very well.
“The pass from Kevin [De Bruyne] as well - that helped.
“But yes, Oscar today gave us the three points and we’re so happy for him.”
The victory helped move City to within two points of leaders Liverpool and was the perfect way to go into the mini winter break, with the squad set to depart for a warm weather training camp in Abu Dhabi later this week.
However, Bernardo insisted the players were not reading any extra significance into the result as regards the race for the title.
Instead, our Portuguese midfielder marvel was simply happy that a moment of late, late drama had gone City’s way.
“It’s nothing more than three points,” Bernardo insisted.
“It’s good, it’s good to have the tables turn a bit because we’ve been conceding last minute goals and not taking last minute chances.
“To finally get one go our way after five or six games it feels better.”
