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The French playmaker's exquisite rabona assist during Manchester City's victory over Sunderland this weekend drew gasps from the Etihad Stadium faithful and may be a spark of genius to shift the momentum in this season's championship battle.

But while former City defender Steph Houghton called it the assist of the season, boss Pep Guardiola was far less enthusiastic - urging the attacking midfielder to stick to the basics.

Cherki was the standout performer at a rain-soaked Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men ensured there was no slip-up following leaders Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, and now sit just two points behind the top.

The 22-year-old had laid it off to Ruben Dias for the opener, which the defender powered home from 30 yards, but his next contribution will be talked about for years.

Driving at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, sent him the wrong way, before clipping an daring rabona, which the arriving Phil Foden headed into the net via the crossbar.

"That's something I practice," Cherki told television. "I know my quality, which is my technique, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's very important to provide the good balls for them."

That was a magnificent pass but Guardiola's post-match comments indicated he wasn't a fan, warning Cherki may need to look at Argentine great Lionel Messi's ability in prioritizing simplicity.

"I've never witnessed Messi play a cross like he has done," stated Guardiola. "Messi is the greatest to play the game but I have never seen these kind of crosses.

"Crosses are fine, right or left or whatever part of the foot, it doesn't matter. If it is successful, it is acceptable, but I like the simplicity because I learned from Messi that I can't go wrong with the fundamentals.

"The simple things he does flawlessly, then he beats four or five players. I want players to do the basics well and after that you have unique ability and he can do whatever he wants.

"However, if the basics aren't there, it will be a problem. He will be in difficulty."

It still drew a lot of admiration, though. Former City defender Houghton, commentating, said: "What an assist! Assist of the season."

Cherki Will Play a 'Major Part' for Man City

Cherki earned a rapturous applause for his masterful performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the 82nd minute.

Upon being named player of the match by smoothing his hair, smiling and nodding his head, knowing it had been a good day at the office.

The £30m summer signing from Lyon began the campaign in perfect fashion by scoring in the comprehensive win of Wolves, but sustained a muscle problem thereafter which sidelined him for two months.

He now has six assists in thirteen appearances in all tournaments this season, showing he is beginning to hit his stride for City.

The manager needed a creative spark in the attacking areas following the exit of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the France international could be the answer.

He created six chances against Sunderland, having possession 104 times and engaging in 14 duels - statistics which rank higher than any other player on the pitch highlighting his impact on the game.

Ex-Premier League player Danny Murphy said on BBC Sport: "Rayan Cherki has been in and out of the City team, being absent through injury at the beginning of the campaign, but he has wonderful skill and creativity.

"The manager is cautious about having too many players in his side who aren't defensive-minded and he might consider Cherki and ask: 'Can he play centrally, can he play wide?' But Cherki is able to unlocking teams at any moment with a bit of brilliance.

"From watching recent games, he is starting to build a good understanding with Erling Haaland. When you are a centre-forward, you want players prepared to take a risk the final ball and Cherki is definitely a gambler.

"He showed unbelievable skill today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a significant role for them going ahead."

Gunners to Drop 'Very Few Points'

The hosts' straightforward 3-0 victory over the Black Cats cranked the heat up on Arsenal.

It was just the second loss suffered by Mikel Arteta's side in the league but it could prove highly costly come the end of the campaign.

At the start of November, the Gunners had beaten Burnley to move nine points ahead of City but a few weeks on, that lead has been whittled down to two.

Unai Emery's Villa have launched themselves into the championship chase, moving just three behind the top following their impressive victory over Arsenal.

The City manager stated: "It is better to be closer than further to the top of the league but from my experience of winning the Premier League and titles, it is the regularity.

"Steady performance comes from the way you play, not from the results or being a couple of points ahead or four in front. it is how you perform and how much you improve during the team. Today has been one of the best performances of the year for 95 minutes.

"In this league, I have the feeling that Arsenal are going to drop [very] few points - and if we want to be there, we have to win consistently.

"That comes from the way you perform, not just for a fortunate afternoon or fluke moment."