Rayan Cherki scored two goals as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, but manager Enzo Maresca singled out his defensive contribution as the most impressive part of the performance. The Frenchman took the man-of-the-match award after a display Maresca described as 'complete', with the win sending City top of the league.
From bench frustration to starring role
Maresca had said on Sunday that Cherki came off the bench against Bournemouth with a point to prove, having made it clear he was unhappy at not starting. In that game he produced two assists to help City turn defeat into victory.
Against Crystal Palace, Cherki started but struggled in the first half before improving after the break. While Maresca was pleased with the goals, he went out of his way to highlight how the Frenchman limited Palace midfielder Adam Wharton whenever required.
Maresca praises Cherki's all-round game
"First of all he loves football. So that makes it easier to work with him. Rayan is like this, we know how good he is," said Maresca. "We know the quality that he has. In this moment, he is helping the team with the numbers in term of goals and assists and no doubt he's going to help more in the future."
"For sure he's happy. His performance for me was very good not just the two goals but the way he worked off the ball. When Palace had the ball, he was in charge of Wharton, I think his game was a complete game on the ball and off the ball."
