Pep Guardiola decision proves Gabriel Jesus' Man City destiny is in his own hands

With 20 minutes to go in Manchester City’s crucial Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday, Pep Guardiola turned to his substitutes' bench.

Everton’s backline was stubborn, and City’s usual tricksters were finding it difficult to pick the holes and create that all-important opening. Guardiola’s main attacking options were Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus – both of whom were sent on in the hope of providing that spark.

Mahrez’s introduction was obvious. Currently sat on 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions, the Algerian has been a consistent threat for Guardiola all season. However, Jesus entered the pitch for the first time since late January – and his return signalled the beginning of a pivotal three months in the Brazilian’s City career.

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Let’s go back, first of all, to the beginning of the season. City had failed in their pursuits of Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo and were set to go into the campaign without a recognised striker.

Naturally, Jesus is seen as a striker and had operated in that role as an understudy to Sergio Agüero since his move to the club in 2016. However, this season, he and Guardiola believed his abilities suited a spot on the right wing.

With key players still recovering from last summer's European Championship, Jesus knew the start of the season was a chance to stake his claim as a regular starter. Guardiola, for most of that time, did decide to use Jesus alongside Ferran Torres and Jack Grealish in the forward line.

And the 24-year-old thrived in his new role. By early October, Jesus had six goal contributions in his six Premier League starts. Big goals too, the most memorable being his