In a thrilling Premier League showdown at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, thanks to a last-gasp goal orchestrated by their electrifying winger, Jeremy Doku. The 22-year-old Belgian, who came off the bench to change the game, earned high praise from manager Pep Guardiola, who boldly declared him the best player in the world “in the first five metres.” This stunning endorsement underscores Doku’s growing influence at City and his knack for delivering in clutch moments, cementing his role as a game-changer in a squad brimming with talent.
The match against Villa was a tense affair, with City desperate to solidify their position in the race for Champions League qualification. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the seventh minute, giving the hosts an early lead. However, Aston Villa, buoyed by a Marcus Rashford penalty just before halftime, clawed their way back to level the score. As the game seemed destined for a draw, Guardiola turned to Doku, introducing him in the second half to inject pace and unpredictability into City’s attack. The substitution proved to be a masterstroke.
Doku, known for his blistering speed and fearless dribbling, took the game by storm. In the dying moments of stoppage time, he surged past Villa’s Axel Disasi on the left flank, cutting inside with a burst of acceleration that left defenders scrambling. With the outside of his foot, he whipped a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Matheus Nunes met it with a clinical finish, rifling the ball past goalkeeper Emi Martinez to secure a priceless win. The Etihad erupted, and Guardiola was quick to credit Doku’s unique ability to turn the tide. “Jeremy always gives you something, for the crowd,” Guardiola said post-match. “He changed the game. In the first three or four actions, he could not do the action, but in the end, for me, Jeremy is the best player in the world in the first five metres. Over five metres, he is unstoppable.”
This victory was critical for Manchester City, lifting them into third place in the Premier League table and ensuring they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish. Nunes’ goal, his first in the Premier League for City, highlighted the squad’s depth, but it was Doku’s flair that stole the spotlight. Despite starting only one of City’s last five league matches, his impact as a substitute against Villa showcased why Guardiola continues to believe in his potential. The manager also offered insight into Doku’s recent lack of starts, explaining, “He’s not played as a winger because, lately, I’m open with the full-backs. For nine years, I’ve always played with wingers high and wide, one against one, but lately, for stability, we play with the full-backs wide, that’s why he’s playing less.”
Doku’s journey at Manchester City has been one of steady growth. Since joining from Rennes in 2023, the Belgian international has dazzled with his direct style, often leaving defenders in his wake. However, Guardiola noted areas for improvement, particularly in decision-making. “He has to improve,” Guardiola added. “He has improved a lot already, and he will improve. At the moment, he makes the action in one speed, and with his decision-making, he has to reduce the speed.” This blend of praise and constructive criticism reflects Guardiola’s belief in Doku’s ability to reach even greater heights.
The win over Villa, a formidable opponent who have impressed under Unai Emery, underscored City’s resilience. Guardiola described Villa as “one of the best teams,” pointing to their performances against Newcastle and PSG as evidence of their quality. Yet, City’s ability to control the game, even without creating a plethora of chances, demonstrated the tactical discipline that has defined Guardiola’s tenure. With the FA Cup semi-finals looming, this result ensures City head to Wembley with momentum, though they face a challenging run of fixtures, including a clash against Nunes’ former club, Wolves.
For Doku, the night was a reminder of his capacity to shift the narrative. His “unique” threat, as Guardiola called it, has fans dreaming of what he could achieve with more consistent starts. As Manchester City chase silverware on multiple fronts, Doku’s explosive bursts could prove to be the spark that keeps their ambitions alive. For now, the Belgian winger basks in the glow of being labeled the world’s best in his domain, a testament to his raw talent and unrelenting drive.