Despite Manchester City’s late capitulation in their 3-all draw with Feyenoord at the Etihad last night, there were positives for the world champions to take from the game. For 70 minutes City resembled themselves before a disastrous final 15 minutes took the gloss off City’s performance. Erling Haaland scored two and looked ominous again. Ilkay Gundogan scored and looked better for it. The performance of Matheus Nunes in midfield was another. Based on the performance of Nunes last night he has to start against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
For me, Matheus Nunes was one of Manchester City’s best performers last night. He added pace and energy to City’s midfield which has been lacking of late. There is a threat to the play of the Portuguese international every time he runs with the ball. That was on full display in his assist for Erling Haaland’s second goal of the night. Nunes provided what Manchester City have lacked of late, and for the majority of last night’s game, Pep Guardiola’s side was better for it. Take the final 15 minutes out of the game, and the discussion would be entirely different from last night’s game, and Nunes would be at the top of those discussions.
Based on the performance of Matheus Nunes last night and Manchester City’s midfield issues he must start in midfield against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Arne Slot’s side is lightning quick on the break, and they look to be well-built to exploit City’s current frailties. Based on that fact alone Nunes must start for City on Sunday. Adding his performance from last night the case is overwhelming for him to start in midfield against the Premier League leaders.
There were positives to take from last night’s game for Manchester City. The performance of Matheus Nunes is one. Coming out of last night’s match he must start at Anfield. He adds something to Manchester City’s midfield that no other player can. His attributes could be pivotal in City’s quest to overcome Liverpool on Sunday and snap their 6-game winless run.