De Bruyne took just four minutes to score on his return to Premier League action Credit: Getty

His last Premier League match was on the opening day of the season against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Following his appearance in the FA Cup against Huddersfield last week, De Bruyne returned to top-flight football at St James’ Park.

Just moments after coming on, the 32-year-old picked up the ball in the middle of the park and ran towards the Newcastle box.

Completely unopposed, De Bruyne side-footed a low effort beyond Martin Dubravka and into the bottom corner of the net.

That effort drew the game level after a disjointed evening for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Bernardo Silva gave Man City the lead against Newcastle, however two goals in two minutes from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon meant that the Magpies went in 2-1 up at the break.

De Bruyne’s goal spared Man City’s blushes though, as they looked set for a hard-earned point.

But he wasn’t done yet, as he provided an assist for Oscar Bobb in the dying moments of the game.

The midfielder has been a big miss for Man City in recent monthsCredit: Getty

De Bruyne showed his class on his return to actionCredit: talkSPORT

De Bruyne is one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever creative threats

That assist was his 103rd in the Premier League, taking him level with Wayne Rooney’s tally.

That result means that Newcastle remain in tenth position in the Premier League table.

Meanwhile City move ahead of Aston Villa into second spot where they now trail leaders Liverpool by two points.