“We just need one thing” – Rayan Cherki makes title race admission amid Antoine Semenyo negotiations | OneFootball

Manchester City’s man-of-the-moment Rayan Cherki was full of praise for his teammates after a crucial 2-1 win away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

After an evenly contested first-half that finished goalless, the visitors opened proceedings through Tijjani Reijnders, who finished expertly past John Victor to net his second Premier League goal in as many games after being slipped in behind cleverly by Cherki.

However, Sean Dyche’s men responded promptly as Omari Hutchinson rounded off a blistering breakaway from the hosts and spark what was a nerve-wracking finish to the game. City had the final say as Cherki continued his fine run of form with another difference-making goal.

The 22-year-old, who joined Manchester City from Lyon for £34 million in June, has been Pep Guardiola’s architect-in-chief since his return from injury in October and after scoring a belter in the Blues’ Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford last week, the Frenchman had the final say in the east Midlands on Saturday.

Josko Gvardiol neatly cushioned back Phil Foden’s corner to the approaching Cherki, who slotted the ball home with a solid right-footed finish from the edge of the Nottingham Forest box to send the away end crazy and mark another monumental win for Guardiola’s side on the road – their eighth consecutive triumph in all competitions.

It was far from a straight-forward win but Guardiola will know all too well that titles are won on hard-fought wins on the road as the Blues maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal, who narrowly beat Brighton at the Emirates Stadium later on Saturday.

Cherki has been Manchester City’s most instrumental presence in attack in recent months, with the former Lyon man clearly having a positive impact on the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and now Reijnders – all of whom are reaping the rewards of their best technician.

In a post-match interview with TNT Sports on Saturday afternoon, the playmaker reflected on Manchester City’s resolute win over a well-drilled Forest side.

“It’s a big win! When you come here, you know the game is the war,” Cherki said. “And today I’m proud of the team, because this game is very complicated to win. I’m very proud!

“It’s good, it’s for the team because the game is not simple. I’m very proud for my team because the championship is so long. Now go with the team and enjoy!”

Cherki has forged a strong partnership with Erling Haaland and copied his Norwegian teammate’s meditation celebration after netting an 83rd minute at the City Ground.

He added: “All the week, we speak with Erling Haaland for when we score we do this celebration, I’m very happy. You know, when the game comes we need just one thing – win the game and take the points.

“Because the championship is so hard and today is (a) big win! The championship is so long. Now the next game (against Sunderland) is very important for us and we are ready!”

City can extend their winning streak to nine games in all competitions when they visit the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day as Guardiola and co look to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal into 2026.