There were a host of storylines to emerge from Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Nottingham Forest. The performances of Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne stood out in City’s win. Injuries suffered by Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were cause for concern coming out of last night’s match at the Etihad. Those were just some of the topics to come out of last night’s match. But the performances of two other Manchester City players did add something different to City’s play last night. Those were the displays from Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.
Jeremy Doku put in a fine display against Nottingham Forest last night. He was a constant threat to the Forest defence on the left wing, and he added a goal and an assist. His assist for De Bruyne’s goal in the first half showed a sense of poise that can be lacking in Doku’s game. He also tracked back defensively which showed the development of his game. Doku can frustrate at times with his end product but he is improving as a player. That was evident in his performance against Nottingham Forest last night. If last night’s performance can be the standard for Doku going forward he will develop into an elite winger. He has the talent to do so.
Erling Haaland also put in a fine display up front. He was starved for chances, but his hold-up play and ability to drop deep to link City’s play stood out. Rafael van der Vaart had previously called Haaland a ‘normal’ player on The LineUp but Haaland’s performance last night was anything but ‘normal’. He showed another side to his game last night and helped Manchester City pick up a vital win. Haaland was a crucial factor in City’s win but in a different way than is usually expected.
Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku combined well for City’s third goal last night. That move showed the ability of Haaland to drift deep and create for his teammates. Doku also showed the poise and end product that at times escapes him. The move perfectly encapsulated the points above and is a promising sign for Manchester City as they look to build upon last night’s win.
A lovely finish, with a celebration to match! ⚡️
👏 @JeremyDoku pic.twitter.com/Tc44agGiiN
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 5, 2024
Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland both played crucial roles in Manchester City’s win over Nottingham Forest last night. It was pleasing to see and the hope is now they can both carry the form they showed last night into City’s upcoming matches. There were plenty of storylines to emerge from City’s win last night and Doku and Haaland’s performances were another two to emerge from the Etihad.