Manchester City managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium, a result that underscored both their strength in depth and the mounting challenge of an injury-ridden squad. Erling Haaland’s early goal ultimately clinched the points, but the match revealed the growing impact of absences like Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku on City’s fluidity and attacking options. The game also highlighted the importance of new signing Matheus Nunes, who has recently stepped up in a left-wing role that’s still unfamiliar to him but potentially transformative for City’s midfield and attack dynamics. Nunes’ performances in the past week are quickly making him a player of interest for City fans and a vital asset for manager Pep Guardiola, who may increasingly turn to him as a dependable alternative in the face of injury setbacks.
Haaland’s early goal came courtesy of a superbly timed cross from Nunes, giving the Norwegian star his 11th goal of the season and handing City an early lead. The narrow scoreline, however, didn’t entirely reflect City’s control of the game. Southampton, aiming to recover from their own challenges this season, struggled to contain City’s advances, though they benefited from a few missed chances that kept the game’s outcome uncertain until the final whistle. Nunes was instrumental in creating those openings, showing adaptability as he moved fluidly across the pitch, combining quick touches and measured passes to keep Southampton’s defense on alert.
City’s victory, while a positive result, came amid serious injury concerns for key players, particularly Jack Grealish. Since joining City from Aston Villa, Grealish has been pivotal in Guardiola’s tactical setup, particularly in wide attacking roles where he draws defenders and creates space. With Grealish’s continued absence due to injury, the question of who can fill his role has become increasingly pressing. Although Jeremy Doku has provided explosive pace and creativity, he too has been in and out of the squad due to fitness issues. Enter Nunes, the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder, who is showing that he has the versatility and skill to adapt to the demands of a high-stakes Premier League campaign.
City’s recent Champions League match against Sparta Prague offered a glimpse of Nunes’ potential, as he netted a goal and provided two assists in a 5-0 rout. While it’s early days, his ability to deliver on the left-wing—both as a creator and a goal threat—could offer Guardiola a tactical advantage as he reshapes his lineup to contend with ongoing injuries. In the Southampton game, Nunes made two key passes and successfully delivered a well-timed long ball, evidencing his growing comfort in City’s high-press, possession-based style. His performance showcased his skill in positioning and spatial awareness, two traits that are invaluable in Guardiola’s fluid system, where midfielders are often expected to play multiple roles within a single game.
Nunes’ emergence has opened up questions about the future role of City’s more established wingers, particularly Grealish. The England international’s form has fluctuated, and with just two assists to his name this season, Grealish has faced criticism for not fully capitalizing on his starting opportunities. Last season, though he contributed to City’s treble-winning campaign, Grealish’s stats remained modest with only three goals and three assists in 36 appearances. Nunes’ recent run of form might suggest he is prepared to take on a larger role, especially if Grealish struggles to regain full fitness and consistency. Guardiola’s willingness to experiment with Nunes on the left wing could signal a longer-term plan for the young Portuguese player, who is just beginning to establish himself at City after a move from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.
It’s not just Grealish who may be impacted by Nunes’ emergence. Jeremy Doku, known for his speed and attacking threat, also faces increased competition for starting minutes. Doku’s form has been promising, with two goals and two assists across competitions this season, but his reliance on pace rather than positional play has meant he’s sometimes less effective against defenses that can match his speed. Nunes, in contrast, has shown an ability to anticipate spaces and time his runs effectively, adding a more versatile approach to City’s options on the left.
Guardiola himself hinted at Nunes’ growing role within the squad, acknowledging the midfielder’s adaptability and work ethic following the team’s Champions League victory. “Nunes gives us new dimensions,” Guardiola remarked. “He has shown he can play in multiple roles, and that gives us flexibility. With injuries and a packed schedule, having players like him who are ready to step up is invaluable.”
In numbers, Nunes has quickly made an impact: in his last two starts, he’s contributed two assists and scored a goal, reflecting his growing confidence and the way he’s fitting into City’s dynamic. This season alone, he’s already adapted to Guardiola’s high standards of play, using his quick decision-making and passing range to fill the gaps created by Grealish and Doku’s absences. If his form continues, Nunes could even challenge for a regular starting position, regardless of Grealish and Doku’s fitness.
City’s victory over Southampton was also a reminder of the depth that Guardiola has cultivated in his squad, a necessity given the intensity of the Premier League and the Champions League’s physical and tactical demands. The injuries City are managing—currently six senior players are sidelined—highlight how essential it is for squad members like Nunes to take on unexpected roles and step up when called upon. City’s next fixture, a Carabao Cup showdown with Tottenham Hotspur on October 30, will likely see more rotation, and players like Grealish and Doku may get an opportunity to prove their form if they are fit.
In the grand scheme, Matheus Nunes’ performances have quickly made him a player to watch, not just as a temporary fill-in but potentially as a mainstay in Guardiola’s evolving squad. His contributions during City’s recent games underscore the importance of flexibility and readiness to adapt—a hallmark of Guardiola’s most successful players. For City, the ability to pivot around injuries while staying competitive is essential, and Nunes’ skillset might just be the key to weathering their current challenges and maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions. The coming weeks, with critical matches on the horizon, will be vital in shaping the rest of City’s season and defining Nunes’ role within it.