Paul Merson was left blown away by what one Manchester City star did in the victory over Luton Town.
Manchester City climbed to the top of the Premier League table, for a night at least, as they destroyed Luton Town 5-1 on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola made six changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Real Madrid on Tuesday, with one eye on next week’s second leg, but there was no risk of an upset.
Erling Haaland’s wayward effort deflected in for an own goal after 60 seconds and the game was already over.
City completely dominated possession but didn’t add a second until Mateo Kovacic thumped in a great goal after the hour mark.
Haaland then did get on the score sheet from the penalty spot before Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol each scored sublime goals of their own after Ross Barkley had pulled one back.
City couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect afternoon and Paul Merson was left particularly impressed by one forward.
Paul Merson moves to praise Jeremy Doku
Doku enjoyed his best game for City for months as he scored his first league goal since November.
The electric winger was a constant menace to the Luton defence. He was involved in the opening goal, won the penalty and then scored himself.
It was a fine, solo finish which saw him bamboozle defenders before bending the ball into the corner.
Arsenal great Merson was left in awe by the goal and said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday: “It’s Doku who’s scored, what a goal.
“He gets the ball, unbelievable balance he runs at the defender. Runs at him, he jinks, jinks, jinks the ball’s not moving, he’s just moving.
“Goes one way, the other way, one way, comes in just bends it in the corner. Phenomenal finish.”
Long-awaited performance from Doku
Doku started his City career on fire but his long wait for significant contributions in the Premier League was starting to soil his reputation.
The Belgian has been looking dangerous in recent performances but hadn’t been able to turn that into something tangible.
It’s of little surprise that Jack Grealish started ahead of him at the Bernabeu as he isn’t yet trusted for the biggest games.
Though it was only against lowly Luton, it was great to see Doku look like his best again with a lively performance and a great goal.
That will be needed in the final stretch of the title race.