Cherki's Rabona Assist Draws Divided Response from Guardiola: 'I Never Saw Messi Do This'

The French playmaker's sublime rabona assist during the Citizens' win over Sunderland on Saturday drew gasps from the home crowd and may be a moment of inspiration to shift the momentum in this season's title race.

However while former City defender Steph Houghton described it as the best pass of the campaign, manager Pep Guardiola was not as excited - urging the attacking midfielder to stick to the basics.

The 22-year-old was the star of the show at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men avoided a stumble following leaders Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, and now find themselves two points off the top.

The 22-year-old had laid it off to Ruben Dias for the first goal, which the Portugal international thumped into the net from distance, but his second assist will be remembered for a long time.

Driving at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, turned him inside out, before delivering an daring rabona, which the arriving Phil Foden nodded home off the crossbar.

"That's something I practice," Cherki told television. "I'm aware of my abilities, which is my technique, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's crucial to provide the good balls for them."

It was a magnificent pass but Guardiola's post-match comments suggested he didn't approve, warning Cherki should consider Argentine great Lionel Messi's approach in prioritizing simplicity.

"I've never witnessed Messi play a cross like he has done," stated Guardiola. "He is the greatest to play the game but I have never seen these kind of crosses.

"Crossing is okay, with either foot or whatever part of the foot, it isn't important. If it is successful, it is fine, but I prefer the simplicity because I learned from Messi that I can't go wrong with the simple things.

"Fundamentals he does flawlessly, then he beats four or five players. I want players to do the basics well and after that you have unique ability and he can do whatever he wants.

"But if he doesn't work now, it will be a issue. He will be in difficulty."

The assist still attracted plenty of praise, though. Former City defender Houghton, commentating, said: "That assist! Assist of the season."

Cherki Will Play a 'Huge Part' for Man City

The midfielder received a standing ovation for his virtuoso performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the closing stages.

Upon being named man of the match by running his hand through his hair, grinning and nodding in acknowledgment, aware it had been a good day at the office.

The summer acquisition from Lyon started the season in style by scoring in the 4-0 thrashing of Wolves, but sustained a thigh injury thereafter which sidelined him for eight weeks.

He has now produced six assists in thirteen appearances in all competitions so far, demonstrating he is finding his best form for City.

Guardiola required a source of invention in the attacking areas following the exit of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the Frenchman could be the answer.

He created six chances against Sunderland, touching the ball 104 times and engaging in 14 duels - metrics which rank higher than any other player on the pitch highlighting his impact on the game.

Ex-Premier League player Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "Rayan Cherki has been in and out of the City team, missing two months through injury at the start of the season, but he has immense talent and vision.

"The manager is cautious about having too many players in his side who aren't defensive-minded and he might consider Cherki and ask: 'Can he play centrally, can he play wide?' But Cherki is able to unlocking teams at any moment with a moment of magic.

"Based on recent performances, he is starting to build a good understanding with Erling Haaland. When you are a striker, you want players willing to attempt the final ball and Cherki is definitely a risk-taker.

"He showed unbelievable skill today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a significant role for them moving forward."

Gunners to Drop 'Few Points'

City's comfortable 3-0 victory over the Black Cats cranked the heat up on Arsenal.

It was just the second league defeat suffered by Mikel Arteta's side in the league but it could prove highly costly come the end of the campaign.

On 1 November, the Gunners had defeated Burnley to move nine points clear of City but a few weeks on, that lead has been whittled down to two.

Aston Villa have thrust themselves into the title race, moving just three points off the top following their notable win over Arsenal.

The City manager stated: "It is better to be closer than further to the top of the league but from my past of winning the Premier League and titles, it is the consistency.

"Steady performance comes from the manner of play, not from the results or being two points in front or four in front. it is how you perform and how much you grow as a team. Today has been one of the finest displays of the year for 95 minutes.

"With the Premier League, I have the feeling that Arsenal are going to drop [very] few points - and if we want to be there, we have to win consistently.

"That stems from the manner in which you play, not just for a fortunate afternoon or lucky action."