Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

'Ridiculous' - Man City fans stunned by what Jeremy Doku did vs Sunderland: 'Absolute menace'

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Jeremy Doku was a surprise returnee to the bench as Man City were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Erling Haaland missed chances to score the winner, left frustrated by a lack of service to the striker, even with Pep Guardiola's most dangerous winger back on the pitch on Thursday, 1 January.

The Citizens were forced into bringing Doku on, with Savinho suffering an injury in the 51st minute, much to the relief of the travelling supporters, who blasted the young Brazilian for his minimal efforts.

It might have turned out to be one of the best decisions had Man City been able to take their chances, but even so, it was an inspired cameo from the Belgian, who caused the Black Cats all kinds of issues.

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku celebrates
Doku has been superb this season. (Credit: Imago)

Jeremy Doku causes havoc at the Stadium of Light

In just 39 minutes, Doku ran Trai Hume and Lutsharel Geertruida ragged, completing a total of six dribbles, the most of anyone on the pitch, and even missed a big chance [FotMob].

Victory was key after Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa in a top-of-the-table clash, but it was not to be. Doku appeared to be one of the only positives for the Citizens.

Being labelled an "absolute menace," fans were taken aback by the winger's substitute appearance, with many looking forward to his combinations with Antoine Semenyo once he signs from Bournemouth.

  • @MahrezRole: "Doku, my GOONDESS, that would’ve been insane."
  • @rajsinghchohan: "Doku’s sub performance was phenomenal. Insane threat vs low blocks. I think we will see Doku-Cherki-Semenyo behind Haaland in scenarios where Man City are chasing a goal."
  • @joebutters: "Our subs have been incredible today. Doku, Gvardiol and Rodri have all been the standout performers."

Savinho could be finished after Man City vs Sunderland

Despite a recent upturn in form, many supporters remain unconvinced by Savinho, who has just one assist in 15 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Man City are now closing in on a deal for Semenyo, and with Doku the club's best winger right now, that could see Savinho fall even further down the pecking order at the Etihad.

The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham during the summer. Seeing the news coming out, some fans were volunteering to drive him down to North London.

There is no doubt that he is a talented player, but with Guardiola currently in the middle of a rebuild, he could be sacrificed for some bigger names, especially if he continues to struggle for form.

But for now, fans will just be relieved that Doku has returned from injury with a bang.

Manchester City
Sunderland AFC
Jeremy Doku
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