“We need Nunes” – Guardiola praises Portuguese goalscorer as Man City hammer Burnley 5-1 [video] | OneFootball

Portugal international Matheus Nunes scored an important goal this weekend as Manchester City enjoyed a big win over Burnley in the Premier League.

The former Sporting man put City 2-1 up on the hour mark, with the sides having gone into the break level at 1-1. The strike – Nunes’ first of the season – was important in giving City the edge in a match which was closer than the scoreline suggests, with the home side scoring two of their goals in stoppage time.

Following the final whistle, City boss Pep Guardiola spoke of the important of having Nunes’ attributes at right-back, where he is often deployed. Despite arriving at the Etihad Stadium as a central midfielder from Wolverhampton Wanderers two years ago, Nunes has become more accustomed to featuring at full-back.

“We need Nunes’ physicality,” said Guardiola on Saturday.

“We need that courage and his pace and the energy he has and with Josko, him and Khusanov before we have incredible legs to go backwards.

“Burnley played long balls, second balls and in transitions [Nunes] can help a lot.

“He’s a midfield player so we needed him to have the vision to play good passes and do good assists. I encourage him to try to do it again and again.”