Forget about Erling Haaland for a moment; Manchester City has found a new attacking force.
Haaland’s impressive record of 11 goals in 10 matches is remarkable, but we often overlook it. Notably, nine of these goals came during his first five games, with only two scored in the following five.
While this isn’t a pressing issue—given that he’s faced limited opportunities and City has encountered similar situations before—they need others to rise when he’s not at his best. Last season, it was frequently Phil Foden who stepped up. This past Saturday, it was Jeremy Doku.
The winger has registered two goals and an assist in his last four games (one lasting just nine minutes), averaging an involvement in a goal every 57 minutes.
These contributions have been significant. He scored the opener to secure a win against a young Watford side while Haaland was unavailable, assisted Foden to seal the match against Slovan Bratislava just 15 minutes in, and netted what he described as a ‘beautiful’ goal against Fulham, crucially transforming a potential one-point result into three.
Last season, City’s title victory hinged on Oscar Bobb’s winning goal at Newcastle. Whether Doku’s curling strike at the Etihad will have a similar impact remains to be seen, but it emphasizes how vital every win can be.
The win against Fulham highlights how players not in the limelight in Pep Guardiola’s squad can be just as crucial as stars like Haaland.
Doku, however, downplays the significance of one match. “This game doesn’t determine if we’re champions,” he noted. “I believe we’re performing well up to this point.”
His relaxed demeanor is evident as he discusses his form. “At a club like this, there are always top players competing for your spot, like Savinho and Jack [Grealish]. It’s about focusing on my own performance.”
He acknowledged not being at his absolute best this season, but feels he has improved in the last few games. “Today was good for my confidence.”
As Doku spoke, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson congratulated him on his impressive goal. Although Doku considers it ‘beautiful,’ he prefers his more typical twisting and turning efforts.
While Savinho initially seemed to be Guardiola’s first choice on the wing, Doku has stepped up with numbers that reflect his return to form.
“I just needed to be myself and take on defenders. I know my best self, and my recent performances align with that,” he shared.
Another player who has risen to the occasion in Rodri’s absence is Mateo Kovacic, who scored twice against Fulham, bringing his season total to three—already matching last year’s count and marking his best tally since 2015.
With Rodri sidelined for the season, Kovacic is under pressure to deliver. Yet, Doku believes the forwards must maintain their scoring momentum to adapt to changes in midfield dynamics.
“We always aim to score more goals. It’s not because Rodri is missing that we focus on scoring more,” he explained. “We’ll continue to push for goals regardless of Rodri’s presence. He’s a unique player. Today, Kova’ played well in his role. We are determined to win every match.”
Doku aims to surpass his seven-goal tally from last season and feels he is on the right path after rediscovering his basics. He hopes to add more ‘beautiful’ goals to his record.
