Rayan Cherki’s influence at Manchester City took another memorable turn at the City Ground, where a late goal against Nottingham Forest capped a performance full of confidence, creativity and composure.
The French midfielder was not only decisive with the ball at his feet, but also provided a moment that quickly caught the eye of supporters and cameras alike, as he paid tribute to one of the Premier League’s most recognisable figures.
With seven minutes of normal time remaining, Cherki found the net to seal a crucial away victory for City. What followed was just as striking as the finish itself.
In front of the travelling supporters, he sat down on the pitch and calmly performed Erling Haaland’s well-known Lotus celebration, a pose that has become closely linked with the Norwegian striker.
The celebration, Cherki later revealed, was no spontaneous act. Instead, it was the fulfilment of a promise made earlier in the week, after a conversation with Haaland himself.
It was a light-hearted moment, but one that also reflected the strong bond within City’s squad and the relaxed confidence of a player enjoying an outstanding debut season in English football.
A pre-planned celebration and a decisive moment
Rayan Cherki’s influence at Manchester City was the final flourish in a demanding contest. Nottingham Forest, buoyed by their home support, made life difficult throughout the afternoon, pressing high and defending with determination.
City, however, remained patient, moving the ball with control and waiting for the right opening. When it came, Cherki was ready.
Finding the back of the net late on, he chose to mark the moment in a way that connected directly to his team-mates. Sitting down on the turf that had served as his stage for much of the match, he recreated Haaland’s trademark celebration, later explaining that the idea had been agreed well before kick-off.
“All the time I want to score goals, but it is not my role,” Cherki said. “Erling is here for that! I want to give my team-mates a good pass and I am very proud of that.”
In an interview with City’s official club website, Cherki expanded on the story behind the celebration, making it clear that Haaland himself had encouraged it.
“In the week I spoke to Erling and he said, ‘When you score you do this celebration’ so I did and I am so happy.”
The moment captured the mood within the City camp: confident, united and enjoying their football. For Cherki, it was also a sign of how comfortable he now feels at the highest level of English football, playing alongside some of the world’s best players and contributing regularly to important results.
Confidence growing as City maintain momentum
Beyond the celebration, Rayan Cherki’s influence at Manchester City and his performance against Forest was another reminder of just how productive his season has been. With that goal and a key assist earlier in the match, his numbers continued to rise.
Five goals and eight assists now stand next to his name, remarkable figures for a player in his first campaign in the Premier League.
His assist for Tijjani Reijnders was a moment of clarity and precision, slicing open the Forest defence and allowing his team-mate to finish with confidence. It was a pass that summed up Cherki’s strengths: vision, timing and technical quality under pressure.
Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day after the final whistle, Cherki reflected on the challenge posed by Forest and the importance of the result.
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“We knew coming to Nottingham, it was very complicated because Forest is a very good team,” he said. “We are very proud to win the game.
“I know my qualities. I gave a good pass for Tijjani Reijnders and it was a very good finish. I’m very proud of the team because today is a big win. When you come here, you know the team of Nottingham Forest is a big team with a lot of good players. I’m very proud to score for my team because the season is so long and we need all the points.”
Those comments reflect a player fully aware of the demands of the Premier League. Away matches, particularly against well-organised and physical sides like Forest, are rarely straightforward.
City’s ability to come through such tests, and Cherki’s role in doing so, speaks volumes about both the squad’s depth and his rapid adaptation.
The victory was City’s fourth consecutive away win, a run that has strengthened their position and underlined their consistency.
For Cherki, it was another opportunity to demonstrate the range of qualities he brings to the team. Comfortable between the lines, willing to track back, and always looking to create, he has quickly become an important option in City’s attacking setup.
