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The French playmaker's exquisite rabona assist during the Citizens' victory over Sunderland this weekend elicited awe from the home crowd and may be a spark of genius to shift the momentum in this campaign's championship battle.

But while former City defender Steph Houghton described it as the best pass of the campaign, manager Pep Guardiola was not as excited - urging the attacking midfielder to stick to the basics.

Cherki was the star of the show at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men ensured there was no slip-up following leaders Arsenal's late loss at Aston Villa, and now sit just two points behind the top.

The 22-year-old had rolled the ball to Ruben Dias for the opener, which the Portugal international powered home from 30 yards, but his next contribution will be talked about for years.

Cherki ran at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, sent him the wrong way, before clipping an audacious rabona, which the onrushing Phil Foden headed into the net via the crossbar.

"I worked for that," Cherki said to 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 suggested he wasn't a fan, cautioning Cherki should consider Argentine great Lionel Messi's approach in prioritizing simplicity.

"I never saw Messi play a cross like he has done," stated Guardiola. "He is the best player to play the game but I never saw such crosses.

"Crosses are fine, right or left or whatever part of the foot, it isn't important. If it is successful, it is fine, but I prefer the simple play because I learned from Messi that I can't go wrong with the fundamentals.

"Fundamentals 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 trouble."

The assist still attracted plenty of admiration, though. Former City defender Houghton, on the BBC's Final Score, said: "That assist! Assist of the season."

Cherki to Have a 'Huge Part' for Man City

The midfielder received a rapturous applause for his masterful performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the closing stages.

Upon being named man of the match by smoothing his hair, grinning and nodding in acknowledgment, aware it had been a job well done.

The £30m summer signing from Lyon began the campaign in perfect fashion by finding the net in the comprehensive win of Wolves, but suffered a muscle problem thereafter which kept him out for two months.

He has now produced six assists in 13 games in all competitions this season, showing he is beginning to hit his stride for City.

The manager needed a source of invention in the attacking areas following the departure of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the France international may provide just that.

He created six chances against Sunderland, having possession 104 times and contesting 14 duels - metrics which rank higher than any other player on the pitch underscoring his influence on the game.

Ex-Premier League player Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "Cherki's 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.

"Pep Guardiola is wary of having too many players in his side who don't contribute defensively and he might consider Cherki and ask: 'Is he a number 10, can he play wide?' But Cherki is able to unlocking teams at any moment with a bit of brilliance.

"Based on recent performances, he is starting to build a nice relationship with Erling Haaland. When you are a centre-forward, you want players willing to attempt 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 moving forward."

Arsenal Will Drop 'Few Points'

City's comfortable 3-0 victory over the Black Cats turned up the pressure on Arsenal.

It was just the second league defeat suffered by Mikel Arteta's side in the league but it may be incredibly damaging when the season concludes.

On 1 November, the Gunners had defeated Burnley to move nine points ahead of City but a few weeks on, that lead has been whittled down to two.

Aston Villa have launched themselves into the championship chase, moving just three behind the top following their notable win over Arsenal.

The City manager stated: "It is better to be closer than further to the top of the league but from my past 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 as a team. Today has been one of the finest displays of the year during 95 minutes.

"With the Premier League, I have the sense 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 lucky action."