Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Chelsea was highlighted by a moment of individual brilliance, already considered one of the assists of the season.
Rayan Cherki, the French playmaker who has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving at the Etihad, showed breathtaking skill to set up defender Marc Guehi for City’s second goal of the afternoon.
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The goal came in the 57th minute when Cherki won a short corner, passed it to Doc and continued his run towards the edge of the box.
He regained the ball and breezed past several Chelsea players, including Caicedo, before playing a superb through ball to Guehi, who finished with the composure of a veteran striker.
While the official broadcast angle captured the scale of the run, it was footage of fans from the Etihad Airways stand that really set social media ablaze. A clip filmed by a supporter shows Cherki’s outstanding skills.
From the stands, the vision required to spot Guehi’s run as he got up after turning the corner looked even more impossible.
Rayan Cherki signs a fantastic contract with Man City
Cherki has been a revelation for Pep Guardiola since his £45m move from Lyon.
Tasked with filling the creative void left by older stars, the 22-year-old has adapted to the physical demands of English football with surprising ease.
With this latest contribution, Cherki recorded 14 goal involvements in his debut season.
Man City close gap with Arsenal in Premier League title race
The victory moves Manchester City within six points of Arsenal in the Premier League table, but there are still important games remaining.
Josep Guardiola’s side are yet to host Arsenal at the Etihad, but this could be decisive in the title race.
The pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta as the race for the Premier League title looks set to be close again as the gap narrows and momentum builds.
