Wolverhampton Wanderers became the latest side to fall victim to Manchester City last night, with Pep Guardiola’s side winning 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens were in fine fettle, dominating possession and creating a host of chances.
Barring the 10/15-minute period after Wolves’ shock equaliser, it was a comfortable evening for the Blues, who have gone 15 points clear atop the Premier League table.
Nuno opted to start without a recognised centre-forward last night, with Adama Traore, Pedro Neto and even Nelson Semedo on occasion, interchaging across the frontline.
The gameplan just didn’t work, and after 55 minutes Nuno did turn to one of his strikers – but it wasn’t Willian Jose.
Young Fabio Silva was the man who got the nod, which was something of a surprise given the calibre of the opponent.
One might have thought Jose’s experience and physicality would have been preferred, but Nuno plumped for Silva and one wonders if that could be an ominous sign for the Brazilian.
Jose has work to do
The fact Jose was overlooked last night would suggest he is no longer a nailed-on starter in the absence of Raul Jimenez.
Perhaps the manager felt Silva was the fresher player, but given City’s quality, and rock-solid centre-back pairing, it felt strange that the teenager was Nuno’s go-to.
Wolves struggled all game to get the ball up to City’s box, and Jose could have been the target man to hold it up.
Everyone knows the club have an option to buy the 29-year-old at the end of the season.
Despite Nuno publicly backing him after his tough start, one wonders if the snub at Manchester City might just be ominous for the South American’s permanent move prospects.