Manchester City’s comfortable 3–0 win over Sunderland offered another glimpse of Rayan Cherki’s artistry, but Pep Guardiola made it clear afterwards that flair alone will not secure the teenager a permanent slot in his starting lineup.
The French youngster thrilled supporters with his fearless dribbling and inventive touches, including a dazzling rabona assist that allowed Phil Foden to head in City’s third goal.
It was a moment that lit up the Etihad and underlined why excitement around Rayan Cherki’s artistry display has been steadily growing since his arrival.
But as has often been the case with young attacking players under Guardiola, talent is only one part of the equation.
The City manager has long demanded tactical discipline and responsibility off the ball, and he did not hide the fact that Cherki must refine the less glamorous parts of his game before he can expect regular minutes.
City, who have wobbled in defending second-half leads in recent weeks, displayed greater control this time. Sunderland pushed with determination after the interval, but the champions refused to be rattled.
Cherki, having already tested the visiting defence with a mixture of flicks, feints and probing runs, capped his performance with that rabona cross that drew applause even from neutral observers.
His contribution was striking not simply for its technique but for its confidence—evidence of a player who has always been regarded as special. Yet as Guardiola stood before the media post-match, his message was pointed: the artistry is welcome, but the effort and discipline must match it.
“Rayan has always played in his career better than all his mates from 12, 13, 14, 15 years old, and I have the feeling he has done whatever he wants,” he said.
“Here, he has to do what he has to do for the team and when he is able to do it he will play a lot of minutes for many years at this club because he has special quality – but he has to do it,” the manager said.
It was, in essence, a reminder that longevity at City—regardless of talent—requires adaptation to a demanding collective system.
Guardiola has coached some of the world’s most inventive footballers, from Lionel Messi to Kevin De Bruyne, but every one of them has thrived by marrying imagination with relentless work rate. Cherki, in his view, is no exception.
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Guardiola’s praise for Rayan Cherki’s artistry and potential came wrapped in a clear warning, shaped in part by earlier frustrations.
The Spaniard referenced an incident in City’s win over Fulham, when Savinho delivered a cross that Erling Haaland headed onto the post. Guardiola claimed that Savinho did not run back to help defensively.
“Maybe he has realised when he hasn’t played much, on the bench, maybe he has to realise that it is so important to do it. There was an action in Fulham when Savinho went and crossed for Erling to head onto the post and continued, and he didn’t run back. He was there, and I told him. Today he lost one or two balls and in two seconds he was a full-back.”
The contrast between the Fulham incident and Cherki’s recovery runs against Sunderland was important.
According to Guardiola, the young midfielder looked more willing to sprint back into defensive shape, showing signs that the message is sinking in. Whether this becomes a consistent habit, however, will determine how soon he earns a guaranteed place in the side.