Rayan Cherki’s influential substitute appearance helped Manchester City overturn their match against Bournemouth, providing the corner for Marc Guehi’s equaliser and setting up Josko Gvardiol’s stoppage-time winner. The display gave new manager Enzo Maresca his first Premier League victory in charge, but it also highlighted a potential tension: Cherki’s evident frustration at being left out of the starting line-up despite his creative quality.

The 23-year-old has recorded 12 open-play assists since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League player, yet he has not been a regular starter. City signed him from Lyon for £30m in June 2025 amid reported concerns over his attitude, while Maresca has acknowledged that Cherki openly shows unhappiness; the manager nevertheless says the player will be important now and in future. Cherki was also named in the PFA Team of the Year, but his limited role for France at the summer World Cup and previous substitute appearances for City add context to his desire for more opportunities.