Kevin De Bruyne is now level with Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp on the all-time list for Premier League assists.
The Manchester City star registered his 93rd and 94th assists during his side's 6-3 mauling of bitter rivals United to match Bergkamp in fifth place. Following the emphatic win, De Bruyne has also moved ahead of ex- Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and former City teammate David Silva in the rankings, despite having played 91 games fewer than the latter.
The brilliant Belgian now needs just eight more to equal Chelsea icon Frank Lampard 's tally, nine for United hero Wayne Rooney 's and 17 to go level with another Arsenal great in Cesc Fabregas. Ryan Giggs is still a whopping 68 ahead of De Bruyne, who turned 31 this summer but remains one of the world's best playmakers.
His ability was on show during Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium, setting up Erling Haaland for two of his three goals. Haaland's hat-trick was followed by one from fellow phenomenon Phil Foden, who City hope to be the heir to De Bruyne's throne when he eventually leaves east Manchester.
For now, though, the Belgium international leads the assists chart for the 2022-23 Premier League season, boasting double the amount of the divisions' next-best creators, which include teammate Bernardo Silva. It's no wonder that Halaand has already scored 17 goals for the Citizens this term, especially after he labelled De Bruyne his "dream" partner.
"This was the kind of thing I was thinking of, all the balls he shoots through, it is a dream for all strikers," the Norwegian striker explained to Sky Sports ahead of the derby. "He knows that I will be there and I know that he will shoot the ball there in front of the 'keeper and behind the defence."
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But how long will Haaland be able to benefit from De Bruyne's exquisite deliveries? Last month, manager Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the 31-year-old's future but gave a coy response. "It is a question for him. He has 3 years left [on his contract]," Guardiola stated.
"What I can say is he is miles ahead of last season in this period. Much better. I don't feel he will retire soon - that is my feeling. He likes it, he is enjoying it and playing at a high level."
On the inevitable task of replacing him, the City boss noted: "The team is the most important thing, but there are players who can do many things, it is not easy. But Txiki (Begiristain, the Citizens' sporting director) and the scouting department have to work on that, monitor players and this kind of thing will happen."
