'I've been so unfair' - Pep Guardiola apologises to 'incredible' Jeremy Doku after dropping Man City winger to the bench

Doku has found himself increasingly sidelined in recent weeks, with only one start in City’s last five matches - a home victory over Leicester. His appearance against Everton at the weekend marked the third straight fixture in which he was deployed as a substitute. The 21-year-old came on during the final stages of the game with the scoreline still locked at 0-0. He helped turn the tide in City’s favour as they pushed past their opponents with two late goals.

Savinho has been preferred in wide areas, although Guardiola’s overall tactical shift has played a large part in Doku’s reduced minutes. The Spaniard has moved towards a more compact and possession-heavy setup since the March international break, often using full-backs in wide positions while loading the central midfield with technically gifted players. This tweak in the system has left Doku on the fringes.

Despite limited playing time, Doku seized his opportunity at Goodison Park, which forced Guardiola to hail his impact.

"I've been so unfair with him in the last games, because I remember the games against Spurs away and Brighton, for example," the City boss told reporters. "Without him it would not be possible, but the only reason that they have not played lately is because we didn't attack in the last games, with wingers - we were more full-backs wide, and more players in the middle like Bournemouth. But it's only my reason. I feel sorry for him and for other ones.

"But today the impact has been much, much better than Old Trafford. Old Trafford was not good, and here the impact was, you know, how the ball dropped the team, and his threat, arriving to the byline. Jeremy in the final third is unstoppable, he's an incredible, incredible football player, and I'm really pleased that today he played really good."

Doku’s recent display could tip the scales in his favour, especially after Guardiola’s candid acknowledgement of the player’s qualities and his own selection regrets. With City gearing up for a crucial Premier League match against Aston Villa on Tuesday, Doku will be hoping to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.