Rayan bagged a stunning brace at Selhurst Park but was heavily critical of his performance
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Rayan Cherki scored twice in a rampant win at Crystal Palaceopen image in gallery
Rayan Cherki scored twice in a rampant win at Crystal Palace (PA)
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Rayan Cherki was not willing accept any lavish praise after inspiring Manchester City to a rampant win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Cherki scored two stunning goals in the space five minutes to put City on course to an eventual 4-1 win at Selhurst Park, tiptoeing through the Palace defence to put the visitors 2-0 up on the 54th minute, before firing past Dean Henderson from range moments after the Eagles had got one back.
The Frenchman spoke to Sky Sports alongside team-mate Erling Haaland, who also bagged a brace on the night, at full-time, during which he received his player of the match award.
But in a move that surprised both Haaland and the interviewer, Cherki was heavily critical of his performance and used an expletive live on air to describe his outing, taking particular issue with his substitution late in the contest.
Erling Haaland (left) was baffled by Rayan Cherki's self-critical assessmentopen image in gallery
Erling Haaland (left) was baffled by Rayan Cherki's self-critical assessment (AP)
"My performance is so-so,” he lamented. “In the first half, we didn't find the space, I played so s***.
“When I see Enzo [Maresca] wants to change me, I don’t like that. I need to show them I want to play, I want to score, I want to give assists for Erling. Next time I want to give the ball around more."
Haaland then interjected, saying: "Just say what you actually mean. You scored two top goals!”
Cherki replied: "That is nothing. I want to give a goal for him."
Cherki now has two goals and two assists to his name in the first two games of the Premier League season, after setting up both goals in the opening day win over Bournemouth last weekend.
"I'm very happy for the win, see you next week,” the midfielder added. “Pep [Guardiola] was a big story, we will start another story. We want to prove it and are here for that."