Manchester City fans did not just celebrate a win at Selhurst Park, they celebrated a statement, a performance, and most of all, the arrival of a new hero. The 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace was important for the league table, important for confidence, and important for momentum, but what truly captured the imagination of supporters was the performance of Rayan Cherki. By the final whistle, social media was no longer talking about tactics, injuries, or even Erling Haaland’s two goals. It was all about Cherki. Fans were in awe, calling him a gem, a top five player in the league, and even saying that everything Liverpool wanted in Florian Wirtz is already inside the young Frenchman wearing sky blue.
From the first whistle, it was clear that Manchester City arrived at Selhurst Park with focus and purpose. After all the pre-match drama, injury worries, and debates about missing players, Guardiola’s side looked calm, controlled, and confident. Crystal Palace tried to start with energy, pressing high and feeding off their home crowd, but City slowly took control of the ball, moving it patiently, waiting for the right moments to strike. In the middle of all this was Rayan Cherki, drifting between lines, demanding the ball, and playing with a freedom that made fans forget his age.
The opening goal came in the 41st minute, and like many City goals, it was the result of pressure and patience. The ball was worked into dangerous areas, Palace defenders were pulled out of position, and Erling Haaland did what he does best. When the chance came, he did not hesitate. He found the back of the net to give City the lead just before halftime, a moment that took the air out of the stadium and sent the away fans into celebration. It was a classic striker’s finish, powerful and confident, and it gave City exactly what they needed going into the break.
But even after Haaland’s goal, the conversation among fans was not just about the scorer. Many were already praising Cherki for his touches, his movement, and his decision-making. He was not forcing things. He was not trying to be flashy for the sake of it. Instead, he played with intelligence, choosing the right pass at the right time, keeping the game flowing, and constantly asking questions of the Palace defence. You could see defenders unsure whether to close him down or hold their position, and that hesitation is deadly against a Pep Guardiola team.
The second half began with City looking even more comfortable. Palace tried to respond, but every time they pushed forward, City found a way to calm the game. Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders controlled the midfield, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were solid at the back, and Donnarumma dealt with the few chances that came his way. But again, the spark came from the attacking players, and once more, Cherki was at the heart of it.
Just after the hour mark, Manchester City doubled their lead. Phil Foden finished the move, but the moment belonged to Cherki. His assist was the kind that does not always make highlight reels, but football fans appreciate deeply. It was perfectly weighted, perfectly timed, and showed complete awareness of where his teammate was. Foden did the rest, making it 2-0 and giving City full control of the match. In that moment, you could almost hear fans at home nodding in approval, knowing they were watching something special develop in front of them.
As the game went on, Crystal Palace struggled more and more to contain City. Spaces opened up, legs tired, and confidence drained away from the home side. Guardiola’s men kept pushing, not in a reckless way, but with authority, moving the ball side to side, forcing Palace to chase shadows. Cherki continued to drift into pockets of space, sometimes wide, sometimes central, always available, always dangerous. Every touch seemed to excite supporters, and every pass added to the growing belief that City may have found something truly special.
In the final minute of normal time, Erling Haaland sealed the win from the penalty spot. It was his second goal of the game, another reminder of his importance to the team. He stepped up, calm as ever, and converted to make it 3-0. The scoreline reflected City’s dominance, but what stood out most was the reaction after the game. Fans were not flooding timelines with praise for Haaland, despite his brace. Instead, they were talking about Rayan Cherki.
Comments poured in from all directions. One fan wrote that everything Liverpool wanted in Florian Wirtz is already in Rayan Cherki, calling him a gem. Another said Cherki has been feeding them, a simple phrase that captured the joy of watching him play. Others went further, saying he is clearly better than Wirtz, that people insulted them for saying it before, and that now everyone can see the truth. Some fans joked darkly about what Cherki will become under Pep Guardiola, calling him pure chaos on the pitch and warning the league that something unstoppable is coming
One comment stood out among the rest, calling Cherki a top five player in the league. That is big praise, especially in a league full of world-class talent, but it shows just how quickly fans have fallen in love with him. Football supporters are emotional, yes, but they are also observant. They see confidence, quality, and personality, and Cherki showed all three against Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola himself has already spoken highly of Cherki, and his words now feel even more meaningful after this performance. Earlier in the month, the City manager praised the Frenchman for adapting well and even compared him to Lionel Messi, a comparison that always attracts attention. Guardiola spoke about Cherki’s personality, how he proved himself away at Fulham, and how every time he touched the ball, he added something extra. He said that in the final third, Cherki has something special, something you cannot teach.
What Guardiola admired most, however, was not just Cherki’s skills. He talked about simplicity, about doing simple things perfectly. He explained how he learned from watching Messi that you should never make mistakes with the basics, that whether you use your right foot or left foot, what matters is effectiveness. Guardiola said Cherki understands this, that he plays the simple pass when needed and only uses his special talent when the moment is right. He also made it clear that talent alone is not enough. If Cherki does not work hard, there will be a problem. That balance between freedom and discipline is at the heart of Guardiola’s philosophy.
Against Crystal Palace, Cherki showed that he understands this balance. He worked for the team, pressed when needed, tracked back, and never looked lazy. At the same time, he expressed himself with the ball, showing confidence without arrogance. For a young player, that is rare, and it explains why fans are already dreaming about what he could become.
The win was also important for Manchester City’s title challenge. With this result, they closed the gap on Arsenal back to two points. After Arsenal’s late win the day before, the pressure was on City to respond, and they did so in style. Guardiola later spoke about his desire to get back to the top of the Premier League table. He admitted that City are not yet at their best, that there are moments during the season where they can improve, but he was positive about their position.
He said that City would prefer to be first, but they are close to the top, and that in the Champions League, they are also in a good position despite the problems they have faced. He praised the players, saying they have been fantastic so far. These comments reflect a manager who is demanding but realistic, aware of imperfections but confident in his squad’s ability to grow.
For fans, this victory felt like more than just three points. It felt like a reminder of who Manchester City are and what they are capable of. After injuries, doubts, and intense competition, they delivered a performance full of control, intelligence, and flair. And at the center of that flair was Rayan Cherki, a player who many now believe could define this season and beyond.
There is also an extra layer of satisfaction for City fans in the comparisons being made with Liverpool and Florian Wirtz. Football rivalries are not just about results on the pitch; they are also about transfers, missed opportunities, and “what if” stories. Seeing Cherki perform like this allows City supporters to feel proud, even smug, believing their club has found a player others wanted but did not get. Whether those comparisons are fair or not, they add spice to the conversation and fuel the excitement around Cherki’s rise.
Looking ahead, Manchester City have a busy schedule. They face Brentford next in the Carabao Cup, a competition Guardiola often uses to rotate his squad but still takes seriously. Then they host West Ham United on Saturday, December 20, another important Premier League fixture. Performances like the one against Crystal Palace raise expectations, and fans will now be watching closely to see if Cherki can maintain this level.
Young players often face the challenge of consistency. One great game can turn into pressure, with opponents studying them more closely and fans expecting magic every week. This is where Guardiola’s management becomes crucial. He has a history of protecting young talents, rotating wisely, and demanding high standards. If Cherki continues to listen, work hard, and stay humble, there is every chance he can keep growing.
For now, Manchester City fans are simply enjoying the moment. They are enjoying a convincing away win, a tightened title race, and the feeling that they are witnessing the emergence of something special. Football supporters live for these moments, when hope feels justified and excitement feels real. Rayan Cherki has given them that feeling, and after the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, his name is on everyone’s lips
In the end, this match may be remembered not just for the goals, not just for the clean sheet, but for the way a young player captured the hearts of a fanbase. Cherki did not just play well; he made people feel something. And in football, that is often the greatest compliment of all.
