Kevin De Bruyne helped Manchester City record a vital 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday.
A goal from Matheus Nunes in the 94th minute moved Manchester City up to third in the Premier League – and also shoved Aston Villa down to seventh in what was a significant moment in the fight for UEFA Champions League qualification.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 33 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 75 | 31 | 44 | 79 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 33 | 18 | 12 | 3 | 61 | 27 | 34 | 66 |
| 3 |  Man CityManchester City | 34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 66 | 43 | 23 | 61 |
| 4 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 33 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 60 |
| 5 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 33 | 18 | 5 | 10 | 62 | 44 | 18 | 59 |
| 6 |  ChelseaChelsea | 33 | 16 | 9 | 8 | 58 | 40 | 18 | 57 |
| 7 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 34 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 54 | 49 | 5 | 57 |
Kevin De Bruyne once again showed his class on an important night for the Citizens, registering six key passes and four successful crosses while winning four of his seven duels against the Villans.
However, the Belgium international did something interesting – and potentially rather telling – after being replaced by Manuel Akanji in the 96th minute.
Kevin De Bruyne avoids the dugout
After Pep Guardiola substituted the Belgian, he opted to sit on the advertising hoardings – on the opposite side of the pitch to the dugout – where he could be seen instructing teammates.
It may have simply been a show of exhaustion from the man who turns 34 in June after 96 minutes of intense Premier League action, but we feel it could also be a show of frustration towards Guardiola.
De Bruyne recently admitted his disappointment and surprise at the decision to release him this summer rather than offer a new contract, saying: “There was a little bit (of shock). I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions… It wasn’t nice. My family weren’t home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is.”
It certainly feels like the man born in Drongen bears some frustration towards Guardiola and those in the Etihad Stadium boardroom after the controversial verdict was made, so his choice to stay away from the dugout could be seen as emblematic of his current emotions, feeling isolated and betrayed by his employers.
Manchester City could be creating a monster
Liverpool have been strongly linked with De Bruyne since news broke of his imminent departure.
The Manchester City No.17 grew up supporting the Reds, and has already refused to rule out a Premier League stay once he leaves the Etihad Stadium.
If a move to a domestic rival does happen, it is entirely possible that De Bruyne uses his frustration as fuel to prove Manchester City wrong, which could end up coming back to haunt Guardiola next season.
