‘It’s not fair’ – James Milner ensures nightmare return to Man City thanks to Jeremy Doku

‘Poor old’ James Milner endured a torrid first half for Brighton against Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.

Milner is an experienced and decorated Premier League player but at 37-years-old, he is in the twilight stages of his career.

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Doku assisted Alvarez for City’s opener against Brighton

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Milner was exposed by the City wingerCredit: Getty

He signed for Brighton in the summer on a free transfer and was named in their starting XI away at the Premier League champions.

However, City star Doku thrived in the opening 45 minutes against the Seagulls as Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 2-0 lead.

Julian Alvarez netted their first of the afternoon when he found the target inside the area from Doku’s cutback.

The latter enjoyed a lot of success down the left wing and Milner was unable to keep up with him for much of the half.

Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT, Dean Ashton said: “It’s not fair on poor old Milner, honestly.

“He’s not really getting the support either from [Simon] Adingra, another young player that probably doesn’t quite understand yet that role that he’s playing and the needs of Milner when he’s up against Doku.

“But City have just been so elite in this game and Brighton haven’t been able to play out.

“[Roberto] De Zerbi has been absolutely fuming on the touchline because he feels like his team at the moment can’t cope and aren’t executing what he wants.”

Doku completed four of the five dribbles he attempted during the first half against Brighton and won one foul.

Milner on the other hand made just one tackle and it proved to be a foul, although he wasn’t dribbled past by any opposition player.

Alvarez’s goal was soon followed up by Erling Haaland’s strike that found the bottom corner to double City’s advantage.

Milner was then substituted off at half-time and replaced by Joel Veltman for the second half at the Etihad Stadium.

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