West Ham (A) | Patience and control vs. Risk-taking and action
Sep 18, 2023
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The podcast discusses the recent game between Manchester City and West Ham, focusing on Jeremy Doku's performance, comparing him to Jack Grealish, and the balance between unpredictability and control in the game.
Jeremy Dokku's fearless and attacking performance highlights the importance of taking risks and being oneself on the field.
Manchester City's adaptability and focus on their game plan allowed them to secure a victory and thrive despite missing key players.
Deep dives
Jeremy Dokku's impressive performance as a winger
Jeremy Dokku made a strong impact in his first season as a winger for Manchester City. Despite having a short preseason and limited training, Dokku showcased his skills and took risks on the field. His one-on-one ability and fearlessness in attacking situations stood out. Dokku demonstrated the importance of being himself and not holding back, even if that meant losing the ball occasionally. His performance against West Ham was particularly eye-catching, with his goal highlighting his attacking prowess. While Dokku's performance may not be consistently at that level, it is clear that he has the potential to be a valuable asset for the team.
Manchester City's adaptable approach to winning
Manchester City displayed their adaptability in their game against West Ham. Despite missing key players due to injuries, City managed to secure a victory and controlled the game. The team focused on their game plan and made necessary adjustments to maintain stability. The performance of players like Jeremy Dokku, Phil Foden, and Nabinou highlighted the success of this adaptable approach. Even without the usual suspects, City proved that they can create chances and win games. Pep Guardiola's focus on structure and understanding of the game allowed City to thrive, showing that they can be successful with different players and strategies.
Comparing the performances of Jeremy Dokku and Jack Grealish
Jeremy Dokku's impressive performance in his first season raises questions about the role of Jack Grealish in the team. While Grealish has been praised for his contributions, Dokku displayed a different style of play that was equally effective. Dokku's directness, one-on-one ability, and goal-scoring prowess were on full display against West Ham. These attributes, along with his willingness to take risks, made Dokku a significant threat. Grealish, on the other hand, is known for his ability to control the game and provide stability. However, Dokku's performance highlights the potential for City to use different players and adapt their approach based on the opposition and game situation.
The value of Manchester City's adaptable approach
Manchester City's ability to adapt their playing style and personnel depending on the opposition has proven valuable. Pep Guardiola's strategies and adjustments have allowed City to maintain their winning form, even in the absence of key players. The versatility showcased by players like Jeremy Dokku and Phil Foden exemplify City's approach to creativity and attacking prowess. While traditional game plans have been successful, embracing different players and styles can lead to exciting and dynamic performances. City's adaptability ensures that they can overcome challenges and continue their success throughout the season.
A difficult afternoon at West Ham, but still Manchester City had what they needed to get the three points. David Mooney is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the talking points from the game: Jeremy Doku's performance, how he compares to Jack Grealish & unpredictability vs. control.
