I was shocked this week with what a former international manager said to me.
"Manchester City are the most boring English team to watch - their playing style is tedious."
What? This is the Treble winners with the most explosive striker on the planet, Erling Haaland, who was back swatting the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite away to bag his double against Everton.
They also have arguably the world’s most creative and elegant player in Kevin de Bruyne bestriding the pitch and that is before you get to Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and the rest.
The thing is, there is just the smallest seed of truth in his point, it can get a little bit ‘predictable’ with City. They control most games, averaging 75% possession of the ball in the last seven league outings.
And admittedly they do just keep passing it around ad nauseam until their opponents are sick with exhaustion chasing those sky blue shadows. Eventually an opposition defender’s concentration lapses momentarily, usually between 50 and 70 minutes, City strike and it is all over, yet again.
I understand that seeing the same old story and style recur almost continuously would elicit the odd yawn from some people which is why I loved watching Jeremy Doku changing it this week. Whereas Jack Grealish has lost some of his electrifying directness against defences and become more City style, Doku is adding that unrestrained excitement to City’s play instead.
If you find Doku’s current play boring, you are watching the wrong sport. You should also check that you still have a pulse.
Pat Nevin's BBC Football Extra newsletter can be found here
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