The Albany Gazette - Guardiola salutes dynamic Doku as Man City run riot

Doku has been a hit or miss proposition for much of first two seasons with City, but Guardiola believes the inconsistent forward is finally hitting his stride.

He showed his improved decision-making as Erling Haaland's late brace completed the demolition at the Etihad Stadium.

Two own goals from Burnley's Maxime Esteve either side of a Matheus Nunes volley had already put the result beyond doubt prior to Haaland's latest display of his predatory instincts.

Doku was integral to the performance, with Esteve turning in the first goal after his shot was blocked, while he also got the assist for Haaland's first goal after giving former team-mate Kyle Walker a torrid time on his return to Manchester.

The 23-year-old has started the campaign with one goal and three assists in seven appearances.

"I ask the wingers in the final third to go one vs one or one vs two and I have the feeling that Jeremy's decision-making in the final third improved, like, wow!" Guardiola said.

"Comparing to the past, he made an assist to Erling and sees the channels. He's an incredible threat against teams that are a low block and deep.

"Jeremy is really important. When the team is transitional maybe he can struggle a bit but he had the ball and brought the opponent to the box.

"Now he is reading good. When Jeremy goes there for the second goal, two or three opponents go there.

"Now he is reading when the opponents go two or three who the other man is to be free to create a cross or an extra pass. He improved a lot."

City's win was a step in the right direction after a slow start to the season that included defeats against Tottenham and Brighton.

"I think since the United game (the 3-0 derby win two weeks ago) the team show another way, another body language," Guardiola said.

"Even when they were not playing good against Arsenal, how they defend, how they help each other in that many times. It's the key for everything."

(P.Clark--TAG)