Manchester City continued their fine run of form with a dominant 5-1 win over Burnley, and Pep Guardiola was quick to single out Jeremy Doku for praise after another amazing performance. The Belgian winger has been in outstanding form throughout September, and once again proved to be decisive at the Etihad, Softfootball reports.
Doku was directly involved in two of City’s goals on the night and came close to adding one for himself, denied only by goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka after a slaloming solo run.
Speaking to the press after the game via the team’s official website, Guardiola admitted that the winger has taken his decision-making to a new level, making him almost impossible to defend against in one-v-one situations, he said;
I ask the wingers in the final third to go one v one, I have the feeling that Jeremy’s decision making in the final third has improved like – wow! – compared to the past.
Assists, goals, seeing the channels. He’s an incredible threat against teams with a low block – he’s really important.
When Jeremy is there, they send two or three because in the box one v one he is unstoppable. Over five or ten yards, no winger can match Jeremy. He can go left or right. That means anyone near him will be free to make a cross. The second goal was an example because Josko was free to make the cross.
The City manager was particularly impressed with the way Doku drew defenders out of position, and creating space for his teammates. His ability to stretch low-block teams has made him a unique weapon in Guardiola’s attacking setup, especially at home where lower table opponents often like defend deep.
Guardiola also stated particularly the contribution of Matheus Nunes, who scored City’s crucial second just after the hour mark to restore their advantage before whipping in the cross that forced Burnley’s Maxime Estève into an own goal,his second of the day.
The Portuguese midfielder’s energy and physicality were key to City maintaining control against a side committed to long balls and counter attacks, Pep said;
We need Nunes’ physicality. We need that courage and his pace and the energy he has and with Josko, him and Khusanov before we have incredible legs to go backwards. Burnley played long balls, second balls and in transitions he can help a lot.
He’s a midfield player so we needed him to have the vision to play good passes and do good assists. I encourage him to try to do it again and again.
Meanwhile, after the game Manchester City via its official X handle, posted an exclusive video of one of its standout players on the night Mattheus Nunes thanking the Cityzens for their support and wishing them the very best and also looking forward to the next game, watch video below;
For Guardiola, the night was about more than just collecting three points. Doku’s evolution as a game-changer and Nunes’ growing influence at his new role shows the depth and versatility in City’s squad. And after conceding late in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend, this emphatic win was also a brilliant response, reinforcing City’s momentum as they balance domestic and European ambitions.
