Manchester City cruised to victory tonight against Burnley at the Etihad Stadium, and there was a very solid performance in midfield from Matheus Nunes.
City continued their 100% start to 2024, and proved no match for Vincent Kompany’s Burnley this evening, winning 3-1.
It did not take long for City to break the deadlock, with Julian Alvarez heading the hosts in front after a good run and cross from Matheus Nunes.
The Argentine would double his tally moments later, finishing a wonderful ball from a free-kick from the stupendous De Bruyne.
Within seconds of the restart, Rodri made it three, with City then easing to the end of the game, although Ameen Al-Dakhil did grab a late consolation for Burnley.
Robbie Savage hails Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes during win over Burnley
Tonight there was a start in midfield for Matheus Nunes, with the Portuguese replacing Mateo Kovacic.
Nunes has made a decent start to life with City, but hasn’t completely blown people away just yet. But this was perhaps his best display in sky blue colours to date.
£130,000-a-week man Nunes was terrific against the Clarets, and showcased his ball-carrying ability all through the game. He played as a box-to-box midfielder, and he really was everywhere.
He impressed TNT Sports commentator Robbie Savage, who said of the Portugal international: “I think what Nunes has added to this City side is a willingness to run from midfield. Gundogan did it ever so well in a City shirt. I think his dynamism from the middle of the park has added another string to Man City’s bow. That power running from midfield…”
Savage would later select Nunes as his player of the match.
Nunes needs to add goals to his game
This was a top display from Nunes who is really starting to find his feet now for City.
Competition for places is fierce, but he is definitely capable of becoming a regular eventually. His ability to wriggle away from players who are marking him tightly, and then carry the ball over large distances, is quite something.
His pace is always a very underrated part of his game, with City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips recently admitting he didn’t actually realise how quick he was.
Savage suggested he is making runs like Ilkay Gundogan used to make for City, although the German never had the pace of Nunes.
What Nunes does need to do going forward is increase his goal threat. He has yet to open his account for City, but once he does add goals to his game then he will be a serious, serious player.
