Cherki and Khusanov key as Manchester City seize control of Premier League pursuit | OneFootball

Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday, their second win over them in under a month, to reignite the title push. Goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland left City poised to take control.

An Etihad banner riffed on The Smiths and, for Arsenal, hopes of a first title in 22 years dimmed. L'Équipe notes Pep Guardiola has rediscovered a formula that restores belief and edge.

City already defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final on 22 March and are into the FA Cup last four against Southampton, who eliminated Arsenal, on Saturday at 18:15. If they beat Burnley on Wednesday at 21:00, in a match brought forward from matchweek 34, they will go top for the first time this season.

Since the Real Madrid elimination in the Champions League last 16, 0-3 then 1-2, Guardiola has steadied the side and handed Cherki the keys as a number 10. He said the match gives them hope.

A week earlier Cherki delivered two outstanding assists in a 3-0 win over Chelsea, and here he opened the scoring with a slalom past four before beating David Raya. On 10 assists, he is chasing Juan Mata’s record for a first Premier League season of 13, while choosing the shot when it is on.

Guardiola sometimes urges him to slow the game, and withdrew him on 84 minutes for an ovation and fresh legs as City suffered late. Behind him Abdukodir Khusanov, ex-Lens, has nailed down the right centre-back role, excelling in duels and cover, with simple distribution alongside Marc Guéhi.

With five or six days between games, Guardiola says he can now pick near the same XI. Haaland’s second and a fierce duel with Gabriel Magalhaes suggested he is close to his best, but six matches remain and Guardiola is going step by step, noting City are already mathematically in next season’s Champions League.

Source: L'Équipe