By Jack Gaughan for the Daily Mail
Published: 23:02 GMT, 1 December 2019 | Updated: 23:02 GMT, 1 December 2019
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Kevin De Bruyne is possibly the most transparent footballer in this country — which means that, at times such as these, we know exactly what he thinks without the need to talk to him.
Manchester City are stuttering, winning only one of their last five games in all competitions and now a daunting 11 points adrift of Liverpool in the one that really matters.
De Bruyne is incapable of masking frustration and that was evident at Newcastle. Two examples stood out, telling a story of a midfielder who is carrying this team and who appears increasingly exasperated at City failing to hit their manager's exacting standards.
Kevin de Bruyne is carrying Manchester City and expressed his frustration against Newcastle
Benjamin Mendy was bawled out in French for complaining at an inconsequential throw-in, refusing to give the ball back to Newcastle.
Riyad Mahrez was screamed at to stay wide as he subconsciously floated infield. Both outbursts, while the scores were level, were delivered with exasperation in a way only De Bruyne can.
He is desperate to make City click again and is feeling the burden of creative responsibility as those around him falter, forcing the issue more than he would like. A needlessly quick free-kick, a 50-50 ball in an attempt to feed Gabriel Jesus, was evidence.
The midfielder was City's standout player on the weekend and others faltered around him
It is hard not to feel a pang of sympathy for De Bruyne. He knows the last few weeks have not been right and took matters into his own hands with his wonder strike near the end
