Rayan Cherki proved his point to Enzo Maresca as the Manchester City star’s brilliant double inspired a 4-1 rout of Crystal Palace on Friday.
City boss Maresca admitted Cherki was frustrated to be left out of the starting line-up for last weekend’s 2-1 win against Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.
But Cherki’s talent is undeniable, as he showed with his brace after an own goal from City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener in rainy south London. Haaland struck again in the closing stages to cap City’s dominant display as the Norway striker scored his first goals since cutting off his famous blond locks in favour of a close-cropped hair style last week. City came from behind to beat Bournemouth thanks to late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol in the opening league match of the post-Guardiola era. Having used Guehi out of position as a midfielder against Bournemouth, Maresca moved the England international to his preferred centre-back role against his former club. Anderson should have bagged his first goal for City after a corner sparked a goal-mouth scramble that included blocked shots for the midfielder and Haaland.
In a glimpse into what City hope is a bright future after Guardiola, teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, signed from Lille for £86 million this week, came off the bench for his debut in the closing minutes.
The 23-year-old had alarmed Pep Guardiola with some of his more flamboyant antics on the pitch in his debut season at City last term, while questions remain about the former Lyon midfielder’s ability to adhere to a team-first ethos.
