Rayan Cherki’s standout performance in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland was praised by Pep Guardiola. Cherki’s rabona assist for Phil Foden’s goal highlighted his unique talent.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol also scored, reducing the gap to Arsenal to two points. Guardiola acknowledged Cherki’s natural ability but advised him to embrace simplicity, drawing a comparison with Lionel Messi’s straightforward style.
Guardiola expressed admiration for Cherki’s skills but emphasised the importance of simplicity in football. “He has a special, unique quality,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “Sometimes you love him and sometimes you hate him.” He noted that while Cherki’s creativity is impressive, mastering simple plays could enhance his game further.
Cherki has contributed five assists this season, leading the Premier League in this category. He stated, “I worked for that, I know my quality, my quality is my technique.” Playing alongside talents like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, he aims to deliver precise passes to them.
Manchester City extended their strong record against newly promoted teams with this win. They have secured victories in 25 of their last 27 Premier League matches against such opponents. Their last defeat was a 2-1 loss to Leeds United in April 2021.
Sunderland’s Struggles Continue
Sunderland endured their heaviest Premier League defeat since losing 5-1 to Chelsea in May 2017. The team has failed to score in five of their 15 matches this season, with only Wolves and Nottingham Forest having more scoreless games.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris acknowledged the challenge of maintaining high-level performances consistently. “It’s tough to repeat performances at this level,” he told BBC Sport. He recognised Manchester City’s relentless quality and admitted that his team must learn from such challenging experiences.
Guardiola on City’s Performance
Pep Guardiola described the match as one of City’s best performances this season. He stressed that consistency is crucial for success in the title race. “Many things are going to happen [in the title race]. It’s down to the way we play,” he said. He highlighted the importance of performing well across various aspects of the game.
The victory not only showcased individual brilliance but also demonstrated Manchester City’s overall strength as they continue their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal.