Rayan Cherki produced a dazzling display at Selhurst Park as Manchester City eased to a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, offering an early glimpse of what he could bring to Enzo Maresca's side this season.
The France international, who joined from Lyon for £30m last year, scored twice in the second half after a first 45 minutes he himself described in blunt terms when asked live on television how he felt about his performance. His unflattering, unprintable self-assessment drew laughter from Erling Haaland, who stood beside him as he collected the player-of-the-match award.
Whatever his doubts about the opening period, Cherki erased them soon after the restart. With City already 1-0 up, he collected a pass from Phil Foden just outside the box and weaved through four Palace defenders before slotting a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Dean Henderson in the 54th minute. He celebrated by staring down supporters in the Holmesdale Road end, a gesture that hinted at the self-belief driving his performance.
Palace briefly threatened a way back into the contest by pulling a goal back, but Cherki responded almost immediately, driving a rising right-footed effort from 20 yards beyond Henderson to restore City's two-goal cushion. The win underlined City's attacking strength heading into the post-Pep Guardiola era under new manager Maresca.
Cherki's involvement extended well beyond his goals. Maresca praised his all-round contribution, particularly his defensive work against Palace's Adam Wharton, who has been linked with a move to City as the club looks to bolster its midfield before the transfer window closes.
"He's happy and I'm happy," Maresca said. "It was not just his performance with the two goals, but his work off the ball. He pressed and gave us a complete performance on the ball and off the ball. Rayan is Rayan. We know him. He loves football and it makes it so much easier to work with him. The quality he has in this moment helps the team, not just with assists but goals."
Maresca also highlighted the tactical discipline Cherki showed without possession, saying: "His performance off the ball was unbelievable. Everyone knows his quality but when he works hard off the ball, he was in charge of Adam Wharton. He controlled him. He was very good."
The France international's rise to prominence at City has not been without turbulence. He made 33 Premier League appearances last season under Guardiola, though 14 came from the bench, and there were signs he had more to offer. His World Cup campaign with France was largely disappointing, limited to a substitute role before starting the third-place play-off against England, only to be withdrawn at half-time with his side trailing 4-0. Reports also emerged of visible frustration with national team coach Didier Deschamps.
Cherki has previously been known as a player who wears his emotions openly, a trait Maresca acknowledged after City's opening-weekend win over Bournemouth, when Cherki came off the bench to set up both late goals. "If he is not happy he wants to show it," Maresca had said at the time.
Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp was effusive in his praise following the Palace performance, telling Sky Sports that Cherki's quality was reminiscent of past City talents. "Cherki felt like the difference because his goals came at an important time. He is a genius," Redknapp said, comparing him to Eden Hazard and former City favorite Georgi Kinkladze. "He's an absolute bargain at £30m and gives you a new dimension. He gives you that 'X-factor'."
With City's attacking options deep and competition for places fierce, Cherki's performance served as a reminder that he intends to be central to Maresca's plans this season, regardless of any occasional friction between the mercurial forward and his demanding coach.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.