Bournemouth manager Androni Iraola has admitted his side struggled to contain Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku in yesterday’s 6-1 result at the Etihad Stadium.
City are top of the Premier League following the convincing victory, with Doku the star of the show against the Cherries.
Pep Guardiola decided to hand him a start over Jack Grealish – and the Belgium international repaid his manager’s faith and then some.
Doku was truly exhilarating, and played a part in five of City’s six goals.
He made three proper assists, and also saw one of his shots deflect in off Manuel Akanji. He also scored the game’s opening goal after a lovely exchange of passes with Rodri.
Danny Murphy hailed Doku on Match of the Day last night, saying he was ‘absolutely sensational’.
Pep Guardiola also lauded him after the game, and admitted that his start for City has taken him by surprise.
Doku was also picked out by Bournemouth manager Androni Iraola, who admitted his side couldn’t get near the star…
Androni Iraola admits Bournemouth had no answer to Manchester City star Jeremy Doku in 6-1 hammering
Quite possibly, a few of Bournemouth’s defenders will have had nightmares last night.
Doku was absolutely unplayable at times, and his ability to beat a man one-vs-one is extremely impressive.
Speaking after the game, Iraola said (Daily Mail): “We suffered with him in one-against-one situations because he has all options – go outside, go inside and finish, go outside and cut back.
“I think he was the one making the difference, I would say, in most of the chances.”
Doku was constantly looking to take the ball forward and be direct. He could sense that he could beat whoever was challenging him, and just played with supreme confidence as a result.
Doku looks some player
You know you’ve played well when the opposing manager mentions you in their post-match interview.
Fair play to Iraola for essentially admitting that his side just couldn’t contain Doku. It really was like that, and it’s probably going to happen to other teams this season.
The early signs over Doku are very encouraging indeed. He offers something completely different to the other forwards in the squad.
That burst from a standing start is amazing, and it’s going to yield plenty more goals for City.
After looking a little apprehensive on his debut, Doku appears to have now found his feet and looks very comfortable in a City shirt.
Fans are certainly very excited about what kind of level he could reach once he’s spent a significant amount of time with Pep and so many world-class players.
