Manchester City made light work of Sparta Prague in their latest Champions League match, with Matheus Nunes enjoying a very good outing.
Erling Haaland scored twice, as Manchester City swept the Czech outfit aside in the second-half at the Etihad Stadium.
Sparta went a goal down early doors when Phil Foden found space between the lines before firing into the far corner.
But the visitors offered resistance, and occasionally threatened on the break.
Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the touchline for most of the half, and it was clear he wanted his side to step things up in the second-half.
City certainly got their act together after the break, eventually winning 5-0.
It was a really good night at the office for Matheus Nunes, and Joleon Lescott enjoyed one aspect of his performance.
Lescott hails ‘very professional’ Matheus Nunes after Man City win over Sparta
Nunes was handed a start by Guardiola after making a positive cameo against Wolves last weekend.
With Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku both unavailable through injury, it was a big chance for the Portugal international, and he excelled playing from the left.
Speaking after the game, former City defender Lescott admired the professional nature of Nunes’ display, as he is naturally a central player.
He said on TNT Sports: “I think apart from his goal and assists, I thought he was very professional. He stayed out wide and worked hard for the team and recognised where the space was to run off the ball.
“I think he poses a different threat. Credit to him because he’s not a natural left winger, so you’ve got to give him a lot of credit for going out there and applying himself.”
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A big performance that should prompt more minutes for Nunes
Many City fans wanted Nunes to get more game time after his display at Wolves, and the midfielder really caught the eye against Sparta last night.
The jury has been out on Nunes for a lot of people since his £53 million transfer. But you can clearly see there is a talented player there, and it’s just about him finding consistency, and also Guardiola finding the right role for him in the team.
There is a window of opportunity for him now, amid a spate of injury problems.
Nunes’ minutes could be about to increase and it’s important that he continues to take his chances.
The star can make things happen with that brilliant pace, ball-carrying ability and technical quality. Those traits are very exciting, and City fans will hope he can now put a bit of a run together and build on his five goal contributions in nine appearances.
