“Pep Guardiola’s Furious Reaction Could Cost This Man City Star His Spot in the Team!”

Jeremy Doku Faces Uncertain Starting Role After Wolves Performance Despite Assisting Gvardiol

Jeremy Doku got the nod in Manchester City’s starting lineup against Wolves, but his spot in the next match against Southampton is anything but guaranteed. Following City’s victory over Fulham earlier this month, the club has had a whirlwind of off-field activity, including winning a legal battle with the Premier League, confirming their Sporting Director’s departure, appointing a replacement, and even seeing Pep Guardiola briefly linked to the England job, before it ultimately went to Thomas Tuchel.

Amid all the chaos, City finally returned to the pitch at Molineux, where Guardiola opted for his signature “chaos over control” strategy. This season, Guardiola has the luxury of fielding teams that either lean toward chaos with explosive wingers or control with more possession-based players. His approach shifts based on the opposition.

For the Wolves clash, Guardiola deployed Doku on the left and Savinho on the right, both representing his chaos strategy—direct wingers able to switch flanks, take on defenders, and deliver dangerous crosses. Of the two, Savinho had the more impressive outing, earning two first-half bookings for the opposition and creating solid chances, nearly scoring before halftime.

Doku, while credited with an assist, had a quieter game overall. This was a far cry from his stunning goal against Fulham, where he came inside from the left and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner to secure the win. After the match, Doku called it “maybe the most beautiful goal” he had ever scored, but he clearly tried to replicate that magic against Wolves without success.

His early attempt sailed high and wide into the Jack Hayward Stand, a sign that perhaps he shouldn’t try to repeat his Fulham heroics. However, Doku didn’t heed that signal, and in the second half, when a corner fell to him, he again aimed for the far corner—only to send the ball high and wide once more.

Pep Guardiola’s frustration was palpable. The manager threw his arms up in disbelief, stomped back to his seat, and stewed for several minutes before signaling for Phil Foden to replace Doku. The winger avoided an awkward exchange by exiting on the opposite side of the field, walking around rather than approaching Guardiola directly. But the lack of acknowledgment from the manager—no pat on the back, no gesture—spoke volumes. Doku hadn’t played terribly, but he also hadn’t done enough to influence the game.

His assist for Josko Gvardiol’s goal was a simple pass to the full-back on the edge of the box—nothing particularly incisive. Meanwhile, Guardiola turned to Foden and later brought on Jack Grealish for Savinho in a bid to find a winner, favoring control over chaos.

For Doku, this performance may serve as a warning. Guardiola’s approach to his wingers is ruthless—one underwhelming display could see any player dropped to the bench, regardless of how well they played in the previous match. Control won out over chaos on this occasion, and Doku might just find himself learning the hard way that consistency is key if he wants to keep his starting role. Finding the right blend of both strategies may be the key to City’s success moving forward.

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