Jeremy Doku was criticized by Gary Neville during the first half of the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Arsenal, with the Belgian winger struggling to make his usual impact in a game that took him a long time to properly shine.
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Although City dominated their areas, particularly in the early stages, Guardiola’s side lacked incision in the final third, and the 23-year-old was one of several attacking players who found it difficult to penetrate at Wembley.
What Gary Neville said about Jeremy Dok
Appearing on Sky Sports via BBC Sport, Neville suggested that Doc was far below the level of what would normally be considered a one-on-one threat.
“Doc’s having a hard time getting going. Normally, playing him one-on-one is a nightmare.”
This was a fair observation given the first half, when Arsenal seemed determined to force City’s wide men out of dangerous areas. Mikel Arteta’s side often doubled down and forced the former Rennes attacker into the back, rather than having defenders attack directly.
This naturally blunted one of City’s most unpredictable attacking weapons, and despite the importance of the occasion, the first half was more tense than entertaining.
Arsenal’s plan limited one of City’s main attacking threats
The Gunners started the stronger of the two teams and had the clearest start in the first half with Kai Havertz having his shot blocked by James Trafford, but City gradually took control in the first 45 without looking particularly convincing in the final third.
Doc’s lack of influence was even more striking, especially given that Antoine Semenyo looked the sharper threat on the opposite flank and Erling Haaland was eating scraps for much of the match.
The Belgian international has been linked with a move to Manchester City this summer amid growing interest from Atlético Madrid, and while that remains a possibility for the coming months, it was no pretense to quiet the debate over his long-term place in Guardiola’s plans.
With Ruben Dias also missing the final through injury, City were already dealing with disruption before kick-off and needed an attacking line-up to provide a unique edge to their restructured side.
