Doku waits in wings to back up Haaland

FORGET Erling Haaland, City have a new in-form forward.

- JOE BRAY

The Norwegian's 11 goals in 10 games for the Blues is a ridiculous figure. It's one we take for granted, but it's also true that nine of those goals came in the first five appearances of the season and just two in his last five.

It's hardly a concern by any stretch he's had barely any space to operate and City have also been here before. So when Haaland isn't able to fire, they need someone else to step up. Last season it was often Phil Foden. On Saturday it was Jeremy Doku.

Winger Doku has two goals and an assist in his last four appearances (one of which only lasted nine minutes), averaging a goal involvement every 57 minutes.

They are important goals, too. An opening strike to help a youthful side past Watford when Haaland was out, an assist for Foden to kill the game against Slovan Bratislava just 15 minutes in, and an effort he describes as 'beautiful' against Fulham which proved the difference between one point and three.