Jeremy Doku gives peak through the curtain into improved Manchester City attacking numbers

I haven’t been a different player to what I’ve shown of late, admits Doku after Brentford stunner

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after Saturday’s 3-0 win, the Belgium international pushed back on any suggestion that he has reinvented himself as a footballer this season, insisting the only thing that has changed is the end product.

“I’ve always been an instinct player,” he said. “We saw today it’s working out, I scored. But I’ve always played like this, instinct. Now the goals are coming. Now people are going to say, ‘Wow!’. But I haven’t been a different player.”

The message is consistent with what City boss Pep Guardiola has said about Doku in recent weeks – that the step forward has not come from a change in identity but from a growing maturity in how he applies the qualities he has always possessed.

Guardiola described the former Rennes forward as “amazing this season” earlier this week, pointing to a player who now understands that impact as a winger goes beyond winning one-on-one duels.

Doku: What’s a better position to be in?

In conversation with Sky Sports, Doku zoomed out to reflect on the broader context of a season that has brought City to a point where they are still fighting for a domestic treble, having lifted the Carabao Cup by beating Arsenal in the final at Wembley in March.

Jeremy Doku cites Raheem Sterling as case study for Manchester City goalscoring target

“It’s been a long season! When you arrive at this point, it’s all you’ve sacrificed for, you sacrifice everything to arrive at this point. And then you always find some energy to push through, especially these types of games where everybody wants to be,” Doku said.

“We won already one trophy, we’re in a final, we’re in a title race – what’s a better position? We’re happy and trust me, we’ll find energy to continue to push for the next games.”

Doku also reflected on a specific conversation he had with himself following the FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton at Wembley a few weeks ago , one that has directly influenced his recent performances in front of goal.

The forward added: “I know where I need to become better, and it’s to score. Assisting I did, but more goals, being in those positions! I said after Southampton sometimes I need to be more selfish, look for the shot – I’ve been doing that.

“Obviously you can shoot, but you need to score, so I’m just grateful those shots went in. I’m happy, especially with the victory and performance.”

For Doku, the personal and collective storylines have converged beautifully at the most important stage of the season. A goal for his father, a child on the way and a title race that remains alive against all odds. Whatever happens in the run-in, this has been quite a week.