Cherki Impresses in Manchester Citys Victory Over Nottingham Forest
Rayan Cherki strengthened Manchester Citys push for the Premier League title by delivering an outstanding performance and scoring the decisive late goal in a 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Pep Guardiolas team overcame a challenging encounter with Forest to climb to the summit of the Premier League standings, largely thanks to the exceptional contribution from Cherki.
Cherki provided the assist for Tijjani Reijnders goal in the second half at the City Ground and then fired in the winner following Omari Hutchinsons equaliser, which marked his debut strike for Forest.
Manchester City have secured eight consecutive victories across all competitions, comprising six straight league triumphs.
They now lead second placed Arsenal by a single point, though Arsenal could reclaim the top spot if they overcome Brighton at the Emirates Stadium later that day.
Nottingham Forest honoured their former Scotland winger John Robertson with a moving tribute prior to the match, following his passing at the age of 72 on Christmas Day.
Known for his skilful dribbling and sharp finishing, Robertson played a crucial role in Forests European Cup successes in 1979 and 1980.
The 22 year old Cherki shares similar qualities and has become a pivotal player for Manchester City since joining from Lyon in the summer transfer window.
Should Manchester City edge out Arsenal for the championship, Cherki will undoubtedly rank among their standout performers.
Guardiola assessed his key players and cautioned them against excessive indulgence during the Christmas period, emphasising that any who returned from the short holiday out of shape would sit out the game against Forest.
Embodying the strict disciplinarian, Guardiola denied his team a rest day after their previous win over West Ham to reinforce the point.
When questioned about his teams adherence to the festive guidelines after selecting an unchanged lineup, Guardiola quipped: Only the manager carries extra weight, everyone else is in top form!
However, during the first half where Manchester City laboured to establish any tempo, Guardiola displayed clear frustration from his players sluggishness, not from his own holiday treats, having visited his father in Barcelona over Christmas.
Cherkis Calm Brilliance
In the chilly conditions along the River Trent, Nottingham Forest squandered an early chance when Morgan Gibbs White narrowly missed connecting with Callum Hudson Odois delivery.
Under Nuno Espirito Santos guidance last time, Forest had defeated City at home in March, and they repeated the feat by posing problems for Guardiolas squad through their resilient approach.
Erling Haalands 19 goals before Christmas tie the record for the highest tally at this point in Premier League history, yet the Manchester City forward was subdued for much of the contest.
Manchester City eventually sparked into action, breaking the deadlock with their initial effort on goal in the 48th minute.
Cherki cut inwards with a subtle pass that found Reijnders, who slotted a precise shot beyond John Victor from 12 yards out.
Standing out as Manchester Citys most vibrant presence, Cherki almost extended the advantage shortly after with a powerful effort that Victor deflected at the near post.
Nottingham Forest continued to pose dangers, and Hutchinson restored parity in the 54th minute.
Reijnders lost the ball sloppily to Gibbs White near his own penalty area, allowing Igor Jesus to deliver a cross that Hutchinson rifled past Gianluigi Donnarumma from close proximity.
As Manchester City faltered, Neco Williams unleashed a 20 yard shot that Donnarumma tipped onto Nicolo Savona, who fired wastefully over an open goal.
Nevertheless, Cherki sealed his standout display with the 83rd minute decider.
Collecting the ball inside the box, the French attacker unleashed a venomous strike beyond Victor, then mimicked Haalands composed celebration amid the ecstatic Manchester City supporters.