With City trailing 1-0 to Marcus Tavernier’s first half strike, the mercurial French playmaker was summoned on from the bench midway through the second half and proved a veritable game changer.
It was from his corner that Marc Guéhi headed home City’s 85th minute leveller – and Cherki it was whose slide rule 91st minute pass put in Joško Gvardiol for City’s dramatic injury time winner.
And addressing the media in his post-match press conference the City boss made plain his admiration for the Frenchman – even if he was unhappy not to be starting!
“The impact was unbelievable. But he’s that kind of player. I like Rayan and I told him after the game,” Maresca said.
“What they have to do, when they don’t play from the start, is what Rayan has done today. Be ready, go inside and try to do your best.
“Rayan is quite nice and clear. If he’s not happy, he wants to show it. If he’s next to me and he’s not happy, you will realise that he’s not happy.
“I know he was not happy today [not to start]. But also at the end of the day, I’m here to make decisions.”
Play the video to watch Enzo’s press conference in full...
