“I want to give the pleasure” – Rayan Cherki reacts to rabona assist for Phil Foden | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki has issued his reaction to a sensational individual assist for Phil Foden in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

City’s victory arrived on a day of significance in the Premier League, with the Etihad Stadium lifted by news of Arsenal dropping points earlier in the afternoon, and Pep Guardiola’s side made sure they capitalised, producing a composed and dominant performance.

Sunderland massed bodies behind the ball, slowing down City’s rhythm and forcing their defenders to take responsibility in possession. Eventually, it was defenders who broke the contest open as Rúben Dias stepped forward to hammer home a long-range effort via a deflection, before Joško Gvardiol rose highest to guide in a header from Foden’s corner.

City pushed for more after the interval, striking the post through Jérémy Doku and forcing goal-line heroics from the visitors, but the afternoon’s standout moment arrived late on as Rayan Cherki’s audacious rabona cross was met perfectly by Phil Foden.

Speaking to reporters after Manchester City’s relatively comfortable victory over the Premier League newcomers, Cherki was asked for his thoughts on his rabona assist, “I heard it [the fans’ reaction].

“It’s just for the fans because I want to give the pleasure to others. I want to play for Phil [Foden], for Omar [Marmoush] and for Erling [Haaland].”

On the subject of playing attacking football with freedom at Manchester City, the France international said, “Yeah of course, it’s my quality. I want to try all the time when I have the ball. Today it was good because it was a good pass for Phil [Foden].”

Rayan Cherki’s comments reflect a growing confidence in his early City appearances, with teammates clearly benefiting from his instinctive, expressive style of play. Pep Guardiola has long valued attacking players who take risks in the final third, and Cherki’s willingness to attempt the unexpected is already turning him into a fan favourite.

Looking ahead, the Frenchman’s role could become increasingly influential as Manchester City navigate a congested period of fixtures. His link-up with Foden in particular is showing early signs of becoming a reliable route to goal, especially against opponents who prioritise defensive organisation.

If Cherki continues to deliver decisive moments like this, his adaptation to English football may be far quicker than many anticipated. And for Pep Guardiola, having another creative spark capable of producing something out of nothing could prove invaluable.