Guardiola took issue with Cherki’s work rate against the Bees, especially when it comes to tracking back, but was full of praise for the French playmaker’s stunning strike - which was curled expertly beyond Hakon Valdimarsson and into the top corner from 20 yards out. His manager said: “What a goal. After that, he didn't play the match well but before and with the goal, it was fantastic.”
Pressed further on what made the goal so special, with the ball having dropped Cherki’s way when a corner was only half-cleared, Guardiola added: “Even a blind guy, a blind woman, can realise it was a special goal. You do not need to be a manager to understand how good it was.”
City’s squad will enjoy a day off on the back of securing progress in Carabao Cup competition. They are being given the charge to recharge collective batteries ahead of the busy festive period.
The Blues will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to West Ham. Guardiola said: “We need to prepare with our fans to win that important game. To finish before this little break, longer than usual, being up there. West Ham have a long week, have time to prepare for our game. We don’t have much time. Tomorrow is no training. And then just one day.”