Rayan Cherki had a simple verdict on his own display after Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. It was a surprising assessment from a player who had just scored twice.
“My performance is so-so,” he said after the game.
Cherki felt he could have done much better, especially in the first half.
“In the first half, we didn’t find the space, I played bad. I need to show them I want to play, I want to score. Next time I want to give the ball around more,” Cherki said.
His comments showed the standards he has set for himself. His performance on the pitch told a different story.
Cherki produced a brilliant second half as City secured their second Premier League win of the season. Erling Haaland also scored twice at Selhurst Park.
The Frenchman had already made an impact in City’s opening game against Bournemouth. He provided two assists as City came from behind to win.
This time, he became the scorer. Haaland gave City the lead with a header in the first half. Cherki then took control after the break.
He scored his first goal with a fine individual move. Cherki drove through the Palace defence before finding the net with his left foot.
Palace pulled one back and briefly threatened to make a comeback. But Cherki responded almost immediately.
He scored again to restore City’s two goal advantage and put the visitors firmly in control.
Haaland later added his second goal to complete the 4-1 victory.
Cherki joined City from Olympique Lyonnais two years ago. City reportedly paid around 40 million euros for the French playmaker. His latest display showed why the club invested heavily in him.
Haaland also believes City will improve as the season goes on.
“It’s been a short pre-season. Rayan five weeks ago was at the World Cup. Game by game, we’ll be back, just need a few games,” Haaland said.
City are also adjusting to life under new manager Enzo Maresca. Haaland believes the players are beginning to understand what their new coach wants.
“We played well, it’s a new manager but we’ve been playing together, with the addition of a few new players. We know what to do and have to trust the system,” he said.
City have now won their first two Premier League matches under Maresca.
Cherki is also ready to help the club begin a new chapter following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
“Pep leaving was a big story, we will start another story. We want to prove it and are here for that,” Cherki said.
For a player who described his own performance as only “so-so”, two goals and another City victory was not a bad way to continue the season.
