A familiar grumble after a late show

The Etihad has seen some dramatic finishes over the years. Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth was another, but the mood among the home support was far from celebratory. The late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol rescued three points, but for many watching, the performance left a sour taste.

It was, by any measure, a sluggish afternoon. City trailed for long stretches, and the comeback had to be dragged out of them in the closing stages. The relief was real, but so was the frustration.

Lewis in the spotlight

Much of that frustration was directed at Rico Lewis. The 21-year-old had an afternoon to forget at right-back, struggling to keep hold of his flank and offering little in the final third. He was hauled off just after the hour mark, and the reaction from the stands said plenty.

The numbers from Fotmob on 23 August make for grim reading. No chances created, a big chance missed, no successful dribbles, no completed crosses from two attempts, four dispossessions, zero tackles, and only two wins from nine ground duels. For a player expected to meet City's exacting standards, it was nowhere near enough.

Lewis has been a fixture in the squad since his debut in 2022, racking up 117 appearances and collecting trophies along the way. He was a regular last season, featuring 22 times as City lifted both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. Yet for all that, he has never quite nailed down a starting spot.

Sunday's display perhaps illustrated why. Defensively exposed and creatively barren, it was the kind of performance that invites questions about his long-term role.

What next?

There is, of course, the counter-argument. Lewis is still young, and this could be part of his development rather than a ceiling. The club's faith in him has not wavered, and there is every chance he uses this as a learning experience.

Whether he keeps his place for Friday's trip to Crystal Palace is another matter. Maresca has decisions to make, and the noise around Lewis is unlikely to quieten until he responds on the pitch.

For now, the debate rages on. The talent is evident, but so is the inconsistency. Sunday was a reminder that potential only gets you so far.