Kevin de Bruyne has admitted his pride at breaking a Premier League assist record, but insisted his work this season is far from done.
City kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a comfortable 4-1 win against Southampton on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to impose themselves during much of the first half at St Mary’s, until Erling Haaland headed home De Bruyne’s cross on the stroke of half-time.
Jack Grealish doubled the advantage early in the second half to give City breathing space, before Haaland scored his 30th league goal of the season with a stunning scissor kick.
Julian Alvarez put the result beyond doubt from the penalty spot after De Bruyne was felled in the box, just minutes after the hosts had pulled one back.
De Bruyne makes history
De Bruyne’s cross for Haaland’s opener was the midfielder’s 100th Premier League assist, a feat achieved in just 237 games. No player has ever reached that milestone in fewer games.
“Of course I am proud,” De Bruyne said when asked how he felt about the record.
“I saw it before the game. A lot of people were talking about it online.
“It is something you can’t really miss. I just tried to create as much as possible. I could have had two or three more. If they score I get the assist.
“I am known for my creativity, there aren’t many football players who have been there. Half of the side is mine and half of the side is the other.
“It is a proud moment but I have to go on.”
What makes De Bruyne’s achievement even more remarkable is that he reached 100 assists in 56 fewer games than the previous record holder, Cesc Fabregas.
However, De Bruyne did not want to be drawn into comparing himself with one of the modern greats of European football.
“I don’t compare,” he said.
“Cesc is an unbelievable footballer player. I don’t compare myself to others. I just try and do the best I can do.
“People will talk about (being) quicker. Everything is different, you play different positions and teams. We score a lot of goals!”
De Bruyne is right of course – without the finishing talents of those around him, he would not have so many assists.
Seven of De Bruyne’s Premier League assists have been for Erling Haaland, and the striker is on course to smash the single-season Premier League goals record of 34.
“He scores a lot of goals. It is insane,” De Bruyne said of the 22-year-old.
“He is there. If we create chances he is there. It is a good combination.
“He knows what I want to do and I know what he wants to do.”
