Manchester City beat AEK Athens 5-1 last night at the Etihad Stadium. A hat trick from Phil Foden and goals from Rayan Cherki and Elliot Anderson sealed City’s emphatic win. Enzo Maresca’s side cruised past AEK Athens to make it two wins from three UEFA Champions League league phase matches. Phil Foden grabbed the headlines last night as his hat trick showed that he is getting back to his best. Also, Rayan Cherki was at his mesmerising best as he reminded the footballing world how much fun football can be as his dazzling touches, class and all-round performance caught the eye last night.
Rayan Cherki pulled out all of the tricks as Manchester City cruised past AEK Athens.
It took around ten minutes for Rayan Cherki to come to life against AEK Athens. In the opening ten minutes, his touch was just off and he was dispossessed in possession on several occasions. However, after Elliot Anderson’s goal in the 12th minute, Manchester City took control of the match and Cherki came to life in a match that was made for him.
Once Manchester City gained control of the match against AEK Athens, Rayan Cherki came to life. Enzo Maresca’s side dictated proceedings and Cherki was at the heart of Manchester City’s dominance. He dropped into midfield to receive possession and help City’s possession play tick over.
However, once Rayan Cherki sensed that City had the game in hand, his full range of tricks and flicks rose to the fore. Cherki’s performance was littered with tricks, clever flicks, step-overs and smooth back heels. None of those pieces of skill were done for the sake of it. The fact that Cherki produces them and they come in the flow of the game make his touches of magic that bit more entertaining.
Rayan Cherki would get himself on the scoresheet in the 57th minute. After Allan’s low cross from the left found Phil Foden, Foden teed up Cherki just inside the AEK Athens penalty area. Cherki left an AEK Athens defender sprawling as he cut the ball back onto his left foot. He then beat AEK Athens keeper Alberto Brignoli with a composed finish which is becoming his trademark. His
Watching Rayan Cherki in full flight is a reminder that football is meant to be fun.
Rayan Cherki in full flight is a reminder that football is meant to be fun and enjoyable. The French international plays in a manner that has you on the edge of your seat. You never quite know what he will produce in possession. But if he is on, it will be magic. I don’t agree with Cherki being labelled a maverick, he does what he does within the framework of the Manchester City set up. In my opinion, that makes Cherki’s brilliance that bit more special and in a sense, given how Enzo Maresca sets his team up to play, a bit more exciting.
Rayan Cherki in full flight is a reminder of how much fun watching football can be. He is a one-of-a-kind player. Against AEK Athens, he was at his sublime best. His full bag of tricks was on display at the Etihad Stadium. When Cherki plays like that, all you can do is enjoy the show.