Manchester City finally got back to winning ways, beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League.
Manchester City came into the game at the Etihad Stadium having gone seven games without a win, having struggled badly in recent weeks.
But Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting XI for City, and that had a significant impact for Pep Guardiola’s side. Jack Grealish also operated in midfield, which was an experiment that worked.
City fans were irritated when Guardiola only gave De Bruyne 15 minutes against Liverpool, but he started against Forest and led the side from minute one.
He was brilliant, but there was an argument for Jeremy Doku being City’s best player on the night – and after the game, he sent a message to fans on social media.
Jeremy Doku sends message to Man City fans, Savinho responds
Jeremy Doku of Manchester City scores their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nottingham Forest FC a...
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
There’s rightfully been criticism of the attacking players at Manchester City in recent weeks.
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Erling Haaland has been scoring all the goals for City, but no others have been chipping in.
But Doku grabbed his second Premier League goal of the season last night, and also provided the assist for De Bruyne’s goal.
It was an accomplished performance from the livewire playing from the left side, and fans will certainly hope to see more of that going forward.
Doku took to social media last night to mark City’s return to winning ways, positing a 32-word message. He said: “A needed win to put us back on track and moving forward! Now it’s time to build on this. Thank you to the fans for always supporting us 💙 Glory to God Always 🙏🏾🙌🏾”
Many fans replied and congratulated Doku, and there was also a comment from his fellow City winger Savinho, who said ‘Top top 🔥🔥’.
A good night for Doku
This was much more like it from City, and Guardiola appears to have found a much better formula.
The return of De Bruyne to the starting XI was always going to be something very beneficial, but the addition of Grealish to the midfield really worked.
Jeremy Doku Jack Grealish
Appearances – 15 Appearances – 14
Minutes played – 751 Minutes played – 746
Goals – 3 Goals – 0
Assists – 3 Assists – 2
Stats for Man City across all competitions this season
For a long time, the narrative has been ‘Grealish or Doku’ with the perception being that both play on the left wing. But last night was evidence to suggest they can both start in this team.
Doku was branded ‘very electric’ by De Bruyne after the win, and that’s certainly a verdict many will share.
He’s so compelling to watch and the only thing he needs to do is up his consistency in the final third. If he can do that, City will genuinely boast one of the top wingers in the world.
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