The first glimpse of a dynamic duo against Bournemouth was frightening for Manchester City’s rivals | OneFootball

Yesterday saw Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden start together for Manchester City for the first time in the Premier League during City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth. Heading into yesterday’s match, it was wondered if the pair could start together and thrive. After City’s impressive win over Bournemouth, the answer to that question is that they can. If they can build on their display together from yesterday, they have the potential to be a duo that scares City’s rivals across this season and beyond.

Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden played a key role in Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth.

Phil Foden lined up in midfield yesterday for Manchester City in their win over Bournemouth. Ahead of him, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki drifted centrally from the wings to almost give Manchester City three number tens when they went forward. The trio created havoc in the Bournemouth defence and played an important role in Manchester City’s win.

Focusing solely on the combination play of Cherki and Foden, the pair linked up superbly well against Andoni Iraola’s side. Good players play well together, which Cherki and Foden did at the Etihad. They combined to set up Erling Haaland’s second goal in the first half of yesterday’s match. Foden found Cherki in midfield, and Cherki set Haaland free with a sumptuous chipped through ball to set Haaland clear, and the goal was a formality once Haaland was throughon goal. Foden and Cherki seemingly have an innate understanding of where each other is on the pitch. Cherki and Foden combined again in the second half to set up Nico O’Reilly’s crucial goal on the hour mark. Cherki played the ball to Foden, and the England international played a ball across to Nico O’Reilly to effectively put yesterday’s match to bed.

During the 70 minutes that Cherki and Foden were on the pitch together, they looked to have the makings of a devastating pairing. Now, if they can build on their performance together at the Etihad, anything is possible for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden have the potential together to scare Manchester City’s rivals.

The talent that Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden possess is undeniable. They are two of the most talented players in the Premier League. Looking ahead, they could be a lethal duo for Manchester City. They can score goals and create opportunities for Erling Haaland and their teammates to prosper. The pair can also break open a game with one moment of magic. You put that combination together, and they are seemingly a weapon that Manchester City’s rivals don’t have. That could prove to be invaluable across the 25/26 season.

The first glimpse of Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden starting together against Bournemouth was a tantalising one. The pair picked up three assists and showed that their games mesh well. That is a scary thought for Manchester City’s rivals, and the more that they play together, the more that their understanding with each other and their teammates will grow. If that occurs Cherki and Foden’s combination will become another weapon that City have and their rivals do not.