Man City climb to third as De Bruyne sinks Wolves

Manchester, United Kingdom: Manchester City moved closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Kevin De Bruyne sealed a vital 1-0 win against Wolves on Friday.

Pep Guardiola´s side are embroiled in a tense battle for a top five finish in the Premier League and De Bruyne lifted them to third place with his first half strike at the Etihad Stadium.

For just the second time in a turbulent campaign, City have reeled off five successive wins in all competitions.

It was a major boost to City´s hopes of securing a place in Europe´s elite club competition.

“We are better than we were weeks ago. If we play like we did today, it is really good but we cannot relax. Winning in that way is good because it will make us realise that we still need to work,” Guardiola said.

After 10 years with City, it was De Bruyne´s penultimate appearance at the Etihad after the midfielder was told he will not get a new contract when his present deal expires at the end of the season. It was only the sixth goal this season for the 33-year-old Belgian, underlining why Guardiola has decided to release him after an injury-plagued decline over the last two years.

But De Bruyne´s contribution could be crucial for City, who have three matches left and hold a four-point advantage over sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who play their game in hand against Crystal Palace on Monday.

Fourth-placed Newcastle and fifth-placed Chelsea also have a game in hand over City heading into the weekend´s fixtures.

Hinting he could stay in the Premier League after leaving City, De Bruyne said. “A lot of teammates have said that it´s sad I have to go, but that´s just how it goes sometimes in life.

“I don´t know what the future will be, but I know that I can still play here. I try to play as much good football as I can. I´m still enjoying it.”

Guardiola saluted De Bruyne, saying: “Just thank you. His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers, and today the goal again.