Rayan Cherki bolstered Manchester City’s title charge as the France star capped a superb display with the late goal that sealed a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side survived a scare from Forest to move to the top of the Premier League thanks to the inspired Cherki. He set up Tijjani Reijnders’ second-half opener at the City Ground and blasted the winner after Omari Hutchinson equalised with his first goal for Forest. City have won eight successive games in all competitions, including six in a row in the league.
Tribute for John Robertson
Forest paid an emotional tribute before kick-off to their former Scotland winger John Robertson, who died aged 72 on Christmas Day. Capable of dazzling dribbles and predatory finishing, Robertson was vital to Forest’s European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980.
He has a kindred spirit in the 22-year-old Cherki, who has emerged as a key figure for City following his summer move from Lyon. If City pip Arsenal to the title, Cherki is likely to be one of their most significant contributors.
Guardiola weighed his stars and warned them not to over-indulge at Christmas, making it clear that any player who returned from the brief festive break out of condition would not be involved against Forest.
Playing the role of Scrooge to perfection, Guardiola even refused his squad a day off after last weekend’s win over West Ham to make sure the message hit home. Asked if his players had followed his Christmas edict after he named an unchanged team, Guardiola said: “Only the manager is overweight, the rest are perfect!”
Guardiola under pressure
Yet as he watched City struggle to find any rhythm in the first half, Guardiola, who spent time with his father in Barcelona over Christmas, wore a pained expression triggered by his players’ lethargy rather than his excess of mince pies.
Eight
No. of games Man City have won on the trot, including six in the Premier League
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