Kevin de Bruyne pleased with Man City win over Newcastle

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was pleased to see his side improve on recent performances with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Newcastle.

The Belgian scored one and assisted two as City returned to the top of the Premier League table.

It was a slow start for the home side, as Newcastle took the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic, but a dominant period 15 minutes either side of half time saw City score six goals - including five from Sergio Aguero.

"It's a nice victory to end this period before the international break," De Bruyne told Sky Sports.

"I was happy with the second half but not with the first. It was difficult for me early on but then you go out and try to play better.

"We were a little bit tired because of a hard week, but after the first half hour we got more into the game and in the second half, we started putting on the pressure."

Aguero scored all of his goals in 23 minutes, setting a Premier League record for the fastest five-goal haul, and De Bruyne highlighted the striker's clinical finishing.

"He can score goals out of nothing and its great to have him on the team."

It was De Bruyne's fourth goal for City this season and he was happy to see it hit the back of the net, despite not connecting with the ball cleanly.

"I didn't hit [my goal] perfectly but if it goes in, it doesn't matter."

After the international break, City host Bournemouth before the Manchester derby with rivals United at Old Trafford a week later.