Could Saturday’s cameo appearance be the catalyst for the City career of Matheus Nunes? | OneFootball

Since arriving at Manchester City from Wolves last summer Matheus Nunes has shown snippets of his quality. It had appeared that the Portuguese international needed a key moment to kick-start his Manchester City career. Did that moment finally arrive on Saturday at the London Stadium? If it has, it will now be fascinating to see if Nunes can become an important player for Pep Guardiola’s side going forward.

Matheus Nunes came on in the 72nd minute of Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham. He replaced Jack Grealish and played on the left wing for the closing stages of the game. What was apparent when Nunes was introduced was that he appeared determined to make an impact. There was a real edge and determination to his play that stood out from the moment he came onto the pitch. Nunes appeared to have a determination to ensure that City left London with a crucial three points. In the 83rd minute his moment finally arrived.

Matheus Nunes made a driving run in midfield and he expertly played in Erling Haaland who completed his hat trick with a sublime finish. That’s what Erling Haaland does we are all aware of that. But the run and the ball from Nunes were absolutely sublime. Manchester City needed to a goal to ensure they picked up all three points at the London Stadium. Matheus Nunes made his mark on the game in emphatic fashion.

Can that assist be the moment that kick starts the City career of the Portuguese international? It has the potential to be the catalyst for Matheus Nunes. He has always had the talent to make it at the world champions. The midfielder has just needed a moment to release the shackles and show he truly belongs at Manchester City. His crucial late cameo against Julen Lopetegui’s side may well be looked back upon as the moment when Nunes finally arrived as a Manchester City player.

Going forward Manchester City will need Matheus Nunes to contribute this season. With the fixture list set to ramp up after the international break Nunes will be needed by his team. With his ability to play in midfield or out wide there is a role for him to play this season. The hope is now that contributions like the one he made at the London Stadium become a regular occurrence from Matheus Nunes. If they are he can become a valuable weapon for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.