Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki revealed what always makes him sad after he delivered a stunning display that inspired his side to a 3–1 victory over Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.
Cherki’s performance against Swansea City was impressive despite been sidelined for much of the season. He marked his comeback with a goal, an assist, and a Player of the Match award in what was a commanding display of skill and determination.
Pep Guardiola made sweeping changes to his starting eleven, rotating ten players from the previous fixture to give opportunities to several squad members.
Despite the alterations, City eventually found their rhythm after a shaky start. Swansea stunned the visitors early on by taking the lead, but City responded with resilience and control as the match progressed.
Their equaliser came before half-time through a slice of fortune when Jeremy Doku’s strike took a deflection and wrong-footed the goalkeeper. The goal revitalised City, allowing them to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the contest.
As the second half unfolded, Cherki’s influence grew. The 21-year-old’s creativity, close control, and composure made the difference in the final stages.
With around fifteen minutes left on the clock, he provided a pinpoint assist for Omar Marmoush, who unleashed a powerful effort to put City ahead. The move encapsulated everything Guardiola’s side strives for—intelligent passing, movement, and precision in the final third.
But Cherki wasn’t finished yet. Deep into stoppage time, he capped off his comeback in style, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to seal the win and send City into the quarter-finals. The moment marked a fitting reward for months of hard work and patience during his recovery from injury.
Speaking to City Studios after the match, Cherki could barely hide his joy at being back on the pitch and also shared what always makes him sad.
“I’m feeling very good because I hadn’t played for a very long time,” he declared. “I’m very happy to be back to help my friends. I’m very happy to be back because I want to play. I just want to play.
“In my life I want to take pleasure and give pleasure. When I’m out I’m not happy and when I’m on the pitch I’m happy. For that I’m happy.”
His words reflected both relief and hunger—the emotions of a young player desperate to make an impact again after months of frustration on the sidelines.
Guardiola’s rotation pays off as Cherki shines
For Pep Guardiola, the match was as much about performance as progression. With several key players rested ahead of a busy fixture schedule, the City manager entrusted his fringe stars with the task of advancing in the competition. His decision paid off, with Cherki, Marmoush, and Doku all taking their chances impressively.
The Spaniard’s men looked sharp in possession and disciplined out of it, showing the strength in depth that continues to define City’s dominance across competitions.
The victory not only booked their spot in the last eight but also gave valuable minutes to players recovering from injury or seeking form.
Cherki’s performance against Swansea City was particularly significant. Signed for his flair and versatility, the French playmaker had endured a stop-start beginning to his City career due to fitness setbacks.
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Yet on this night, he reminded everyone why the club had such faith in his potential. His ability to glide past defenders, pick incisive passes, and maintain composure under pressure was evident throughout.
Beyond the numbers—a goal and an assist—Cherki’s impact went deeper. His presence re-energised the attack, bringing creativity and unpredictability that City had occasionally lacked in recent weeks.
Guardiola, known for his tactical precision, will no doubt view the performance as a step forward both for the player and for the team’s overall balance heading into the next phase of the season.
