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

However while ex-Manchester City player Steph Houghton called it the best pass of the campaign, boss Pep Guardiola was far less enthusiastic - urging the French playmaker to stick to the basics.

The 22-year-old 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 defender powered home from distance, but his next contribution will be remembered for a long time.

Driving at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, turned him inside out, before delivering an daring rabona, which the onrushing Phil Foden headed into the net via the crossbar.

"That's something I practice," Cherki told BBC Match of the Day. "I'm aware of my abilities, which is my technique, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's crucial to provide the right passes for them."

That was a magnificent pass but Guardiola's reaction afterwards indicated he didn't approve, cautioning Cherki should consider Argentine great Lionel Messi's approach in keeping it simple.

"I never saw Messi play a cross like he has done," said Guardiola. "Messi is the greatest to ever play but I never saw these kind of crosses.

"Crossing is okay, with either foot or whatever part of the foot, it doesn't matter. If it is successful, it is fine, but I prefer the simplicity because I learned from Messi that I never make a mistake with the simple things.

"Fundamentals he does flawlessly, then he beats four or five players. I want players to do the simple things well and after that you have unique ability and he can do whatever he wants.

"But if he doesn't work now, it will be a issue. He will be in trouble."

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

Cherki to Have a 'Huge Part' for Man City

Cherki earned a rapturous applause for his virtuoso performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the 82nd minute.

Upon being named player 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 thigh injury thereafter which kept him out for two months.

He now has six assists in 13 games in all competitions this season, demonstrating he is finding his best form 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, touching the ball 104 times and contesting 14 duels - metrics which rank higher than any other player on the pitch highlighting his impact 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 vision.

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

"From watching recent games, he is starting to build a nice relationship with Erling Haaland. When you are a centre-forward, you want players willing to attempt the decisive pass and Cherki is certainly a gambler.

"He showed incredible technique today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a significant role for them moving forward."

Gunners to Drop 'Few Points'

The hosts' straightforward 3-0 victory over the Black Cats cranked the heat up on Arsenal.

This was only the second league defeat suffered by Mikel Arteta's side this season but it could prove highly costly 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 advantage has been reduced to two.

Unai Emery's Villa have thrust themselves into the championship chase, moving just three behind the top following their impressive victory over Arsenal.

The City manager stated: "It's preferable to be closer than further to the top of the league but from my experience of winning the Premier League and titles, it is the regularity.

"Steady performance comes from the manner of play, not from the outcomes or being a couple of points ahead or four in front. it is your performance level and how much you improve during the 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 games and games.

"That stems from the way you perform, not just for a lucky day or lucky action."