Over the course of his stellar Manchester City career, Kevin De Bruyne produced countless moments of individual magic.
But even by his lofty standards, the Belgian’s match winning strike at Stamford Bridge early in the 2017/18 campaign was something special.
City had travelled to West London in late September having made a flying start to the season under Pep Guardiola, winning five and drawing one of our first six league games.
But a clash against Antonio Conte’s reigning Premier League champions promised to be an acid test of our title credentials and resolve.
As was to become a familiar narrative in Pep’s reign, City more than answered the call with KDB summoning up a moment of outstanding individual magic to decide the game.
The Blues had proved the dominant side throughout but without having managed to make the breakthrough when De Bruyne delivered in trademark and spectacular fashion midway through the second half.
Powering forward from midfield De Bruyne first trained his sights before unleashing a fierce left-footed strike from just outside the box that left Chelsea ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois helpless.
It was a special strike from a special player and one that sparked wild jubilations amongst both players and the travelling City fans given the significance of the moment.
Not surprisingly, it was also a win that resonated with a delighted Guardiola who savoured what was his first-ever managerial success at Stamford Bridge.
“Kevin again gave an outstanding performance,” the City boss declared.
“He is such a shy, humble guy but Kevin has that special quality, he can play in so many different positions and he can make absolutely everything.
“We are so happy with the win but especially the way we played. We came here to win and we did it.”
From that memorable evening, Guardiola’s side never looked back.
City would go on to not only claim a first Premier League title under the Catalan but also create history by becoming the first English side to amass a record 100 points.
