THE SHARPE END: How Jeremy Doku put old boy James Milner in his pocket as Roberto de Zerbi’s tactical ploy fails in 2-1 defeat to Manchester City

  • Jeremy Doku beats James Milner in the match between Manchester City and Brighton
  • Julian Alverez and Erling Haaland scored as City took the lead again
  • Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins!’

When you’re auditioning to succeed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the king of overthinking weird and wonderful tactical tricks, it must be tempting to do something strange.

At the time, Roberto de Zerbi started James Milner, 37, at right-back for Brighton, against City winger Jeremy Doku, one of the fastest players in the Premier League.

The match went as you would expect. City got Doku on the ball at every opportunity and he tore Milner to shreds.

It took Doku just six minutes to set up City’s first goal from that end and Milner was taken off at half-time.

Jeremy Doku came out on top with James Milner in Man City's victory over Brighton at the Etihad

Jeremy Doku came out on top with James Milner in Man City’s victory over Brighton at the Etihad

1697926036 256 THE SHARPE END How Jeremy Doku put old boy James

How Doku gained the upper hand over his opponent, using his speed and guile to get past Milner

How Doku gained the upper hand over his opponent, using his speed and guile to get past Milner