Pep Guardiola reserved special praise for Rayan Cherki after the young Frenchman lit up the Etihad with a decisive display in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford.
City took control early and never looked back.
Cherki set the tone before the break with a stunning opener that shifted momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour.
From that moment, City dictated the tempo and saw out the contest with authority.
The 22-year-old has had to battle setbacks since his £30m summer move from Lyon.
Injuries slowed his early rhythm, but he has hit stride in recent weeks.
Four assists in his last four Premier League outings already hinted at his rising influence.
Brentford failed to clear Divine Mukasa’s corner. Cherki collected the loose ball on the edge of the area.
One sharp touch took him past Mikkel Damsgaard. A thunderous strike followed and flew into the top corner.
It was his fourth goal of the season. It was also a reminder of the quality City invested in.Guardiola made that clear after the final whistle.
“Close to the 18-yard box of the opponent he is an exceptional player,” Guardiola said concerning Cherki.
“It was a fantastic goal, a blind guy, a blind woman can realise, it is not necessary to be a journalist or a manager to realise he is a fantastic, fantastic player.
“I saw it many times with Phil (Foden) this type of goal, with Kevin (De Bruyne) before, so I am happy that it opened the game.”
With confidence growing and fitness returning, Cherki looks ready to play a bigger role as the season intensifies.
For City, his spark could prove vital as the silverware chase gathers pace.
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