"Surely he starts over Gundo", "Finally becoming a City player" - Manchester City fans praise star for his showing in 5-0 win over Sparta Prague
Fans on social media lauded Matheus Nunes for his performance in Manchester City's 5-0 win against Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday (October 23) at Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old midfielder had three goal contributions in the match.
Manchester City opened their scoring with Phil Foden's goal from an assist by Manuel Akanji just three minutes into the clash. Erling Haaland netted the second goal with a left-footed shot after being set up by Savinho in the 58th minute.
John Stones took the score to three with a header after being assisted by Matheus Nunes with a cross following a corner in the 64th minute. Haaland struck again through another assist by Nunes in the 68th minute.
Manchester City were awarded a penalty after Sparta Prague's Ángelo Preciado committed a foul on Nunes, who successfully converted it in the 88th minute. The Portugal international, who signed a five-year deal for the Premier League giants in 2023, maintained a pass accuracy of 95% (61/64) with three out of three successful dribbles. He also won eight of his 12 duels and all three tackles.
Fans took to social media to praise Matheus Nunes' display against Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League clash. Here are some of their reactions on X:
One fan wrote:
"Surely he starts over Gundo."
Another added:
"Finally becoming a city player, disciplined, improved first touch and works for the team. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩"
"It’s time to bench Gündoğan and give Nunes a chance to prove himself. I can see the hunger in him," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"I'd much rather see him on the wing than Doku. He was brilliant."
Another tweeted:
"This guy needs to play. There's just no way he sits on the bench while Gundogan starts every match like if he was untouchable."
"He has arrived just as we need his contribution. 👍" posted another.
One user wrote:
"He was excellent. I wanna see him play more."
While another wrote:
"Deserves a lot more gametime"
Matheus Nunes has recorded two goals and eight assists in 38 appearances across competitions for Manchester City so far.
Manchester City boss revealed two players picked up knocks before UCL clash against Sparta Prague
Prior to their Champions League clash against Sparta Prague, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola revealed that two of his key players — Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku — had picked up injuries. The reigning Premier League champions already have four standing injuries, including Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Kyle Walker, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's game, Guardiola confirmed that Grealish and Doku have sustained knocks. The Englishman is expected to be out of action for 7-10 days, while the Belgian winger's recovery will take more time.
During Manchester City's last Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 20, Jeremy Doku was substituted in the 66th minute after he assisted a goal in the first half. Jack Grealish, meanwhile, was subbed on in the 73rd minute.
Manchester City will face Southampton in their next Premier League clash on Saturday (October 26), followed by a game against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup on October 30. With the upcoming matches and existing injuries, Pep Guardiola will hope for his key players to return to the pitch soon.