Watching Manchester City play currently is a frustrating experience. There is a lack of creativity and cutting edge to City’s play. You couple that with their defensive frailties and you can see why they’ve only won one of their past twelve games in all competitions. Injuries to City’s defenders haven’t helped matters.
But in the final third Pep Guardiola’s side is lacking any real threat. Erling Haaland needs service to thrive and as it stands currently he is getting none. With that in mind it may be time to start Jeremy Doku and Savinho on the wings. That may give Manchester City a threat in the final third.
During Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday it was only Jack Grealish in the first half who offered any real threat going forward. Grealish to his credit did try to get at Matty Cash at Villa Park. On the other wing Bernardo Silva was more about helping Manchester City dominate possession and keep control of the game. But ultimately that move didn’t pay off for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Once Savinho and Jeremy Doku were introduced Manchester City looked to have a threat going forward at Villa Park. Although it must be said the game was over when the pair came on. Savinho played a key role in setting up Phil Foden’s late consolation goal. Even Doku played in the only cross Erling Haaland had all game to try and attack. With Manchester City due to face Everton on Boxing Day at the Etihad perhaps it’s time just to start the pair. Maybe they can provide the service that Haaland needs and add some cutting edge to City’s play.
Manchester City need to play with more creativity in the final third. That is clear to see. They may have to sacrifice some control of possession to do it. Perhaps starting Savinho and Jeremy Doku against Everton may aid City’s cause. It’s at least worth a try from Pep Guardiola just to try and add some threat to Manchester City’s play. At the moment it’s all to pedestrian and it’s contributing to the best striker in world football being reduced to a passenger.
