Rayan Cherki expressed his delight after a late goal gave Manchester City a crucial 2-1 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Stadium.
match report
Shortly after the half-time break, Cherki provided his seventh Premier League assist of the season and put his side ahead through Tijani Reynders.
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The home side equalized soon after, with Omari Hutchinson dispossessing the target, but Cherki had the final say, firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the area to earn a vital three points for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have now won eight in a row in all competitions.
“It’s a huge win. When you come here you know this game is war,” Cherki said after the game. “I’m proud of the team today because it’s a very complicated game to win. I’m very proud.
“It’s good, it’s for the team because the game is not easy. I’m very proud of my team because the championship is so long. Now enjoy it with the team.”
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“You know when the game comes we only need one thing: to win the game and get points. Because the championship is so difficult and today was a big win.
“The championship is such a long game. Now the next game is very important for us and we are ready.”
Gallery: Cherki Master Class Downs Forest!
The Frenchman has formed a good bond with his teammates both on and off the pitch, particularly with the attacking pairing of Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
Cherki once again celebrated his goal with Haaland’s trademark lotus celebration and revealed he had spoken to the forward about the matter.
“I spoke to Erling during the week and he said: ‘When you score, you celebrate’ so I did that and I’m delighted.”