‘Outrageous’ – Nedum Onuoha blown away by ‘Iniesta-like’ star in Man City win vs West Ham
Pep Guardiola appears to have one of the most talented players in world football at his disposal after Man City’s win over West Ham.
Arsenal are favourites for the Premier League title, but after the Citizens claimed three points at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 20 December, the Gunners had sunk to second in the league standings.
Nuno Espirito Santo was without El Hadji Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and the absences showed almost instantly as Erling Haaland hit the back of the net after just six minutes.
The home side’s lead was doubled before the half-time break, with the goalscorer becoming playmaker, as Haaland delivered the ball to Tijjani Reijnders, who slammed his effort into the roof of the goal.
However, watching the moment unfold at the Etihad, former player Nedum Onuoha could not help but fixate on Rayan Cherki, who has thrived under Guardiola this season.
Rayan Cherki to thank for Man City’s second vs West Ham
Cherki created a total of six chances before being replaced [FotMob], but it was the Frenchman’s defensive work to win back possession that many were impressed with at the weekend.
Speaking live on Final Score, transcribed by BBC Sport (20 December, 3:42pm), Onuoha said: “Outrageous goal. Cherki has intercepted it, done an Iniesta-like move.
“He plays it to Haaland, who then plays it to Reijinders, and then bang into the roof of the net. It’s very much what they deserve,” with the Norwegian star also adding a third later in the game.
The 22-year-old already has five goals and eight assists in his first 21 appearances for City, and while he was unable to add to that number, his impact was not overlooked.
Cherki’s performance in numbers at the Etihad Stadium
As well as creating six chances, he completed 85 per cent of his passes, five of which were into the final third, attempted six dribbles, had 72 touches, and was fouled once.
In addition to his attacking stars, the magician also won 100 per cent of his tackles, made three recoveries, and entered into nine ground duels to help his team defensively.
Guardiola has been very vocal about his wingers tracking back, especially in the case of Savinho, but Cherki already looks happy to do the dirty work before creating for his teammates.
He would have loved to have played the entire 90 minutes, especially with the Hammers opening up at the back, but with games coming thick and fast, it is important that Guardiola keeps his stars fit.