Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shed light on Rayan Cherki’s performance against Liverpool and his decision to substitute the midfielder early in the second half during his side’s emphatic 3–0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
City produced a commanding performance to dismantle the reigning Premier League champions, with goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and the electric Jeremy Doku sealing a statement victory.
The result marked a fitting celebration for Guardiola’s 1,000th game as a manager, as his side dominated from start to finish and closed the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just four points following the Gunners’ 2–2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.
The reigning treble winners looked every bit as ruthless as they have been in their finest moments under Guardiola, combining sharp possession play with devastating pace in attack.
Yet amid the triumph, one key talking point emerged when Rayan Cherki, City’s £34 million summer signing from Lyon, was taken off after just 53 minutes despite starting the match in a central creative role.
Cherki had earned his place in the starting line-up after scoring from the bench against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
Deployed in a deeper playmaking role in place of Tijjani Reijnders, the French midfielder was tasked with unlocking a disciplined Arne Slot’s backline.
However, Rayan Cherki’s performance against Liverpool was not impressive. He struggled to impose himself in the first half, frequently losing possession as City sought to assert control in midfield.
Despite the team’s two-goal cushion early in the second half, Guardiola opted to replace the 22-year-old with Brazilian winger Savinho, shifting Bernardo Silva into a more central role.
The change surprised many, particularly given City’s dominance at that stage, but Guardiola later explained that the decision was a matter of tactical balance rather than poor performance.
“It was more difficult for Rayan (Cherki) because the space was more on the left side not on the right side today for the way they defended,” Guardiola said after the game reported CityXtra
“But Bernie (Bernardo Silva) Nico, all the back-four but especially Bernie, Nico, and Phil (Foden) – they were outstanding, keeping, and doing it there.”
With Liverpool defending narrowly and leaving gaps down the flanks, the City boss recognised the need to exploit width rather than persist through congested central channels.
The introduction of Savinho added dynamism on the left, allowing Doku and Foden to stretch the play while Silva dictated the rhythm centrally.
The tactical tweak proved effective. City regained control of possession, quelled Liverpool’s brief resurgence after the interval, and continued to press with purpose.
Haaland’s opener, Gonzalez’s deft finish, and Doku’s stunning solo strike all reflected the cohesion Guardiola demands, but it was his in-game adjustment that ensured City never lost their grip on proceedings.
- Guardiola sends unexpected message to Liverpool star humiliated by Jeremy Doku
- Pep Guardiola ready to sell superstar — Celtic set to sign him in January
For Cherki, it was a reminder of the fine margins that define Guardiola’s system.
The young Frenchman, who joined in June with a reputation for flair and creativity, is still adapting to the relentless tactical precision of English football.
His early withdrawal was not a punishment, but rather a reflection of Guardiola’s insistence on structure over sentiment.
Meanwhile, Guardiola was visibly emotional at full-time as his players surrounded him to celebrate his 1000th game as a coach.
Yet, in typical fashion, the Spaniard preferred to focus on the collective effort rather than personal accolades.
The City boss will hope to continue his recent unbeaten record after the international break. The Cityzens will be hosted by Newcastle United in the Premier League before welcoming Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League a few days later.
