Rayan Cherki (foto: Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca considered replacing Rayan Cherki at half-time against Crystal Palace, but the Frenchman convinced him to wait and then produced two brilliant goals.
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Rayan Cherki is not only a footballing virtuoso. Apparently, he can predict the future too.
The Manchester City star produced a remarkable second-half performance in the 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, scoring twice and collecting the man-of-the-match award.
But Cherki came remarkably close to not being on the pitch for either goal.
City coach Enzo Maresca was considering substituting the Frenchman at half-time after an underwhelming opening 45 minutes.
Cherki had other ideas.
'Give me five more minutes'
After the final whistle, Cherki revealed the conversation that changed his evening.
"I told the coach to give me at least five more minutes of the second half and I promise that substitutions won't be necessary," Cherki told reporters.
Maresca listened to him – and was rewarded.
Cherki needed slightly longer than the five minutes he requested, scoring 10 minutes after the restart.
Then came another.
Only five minutes after his first goal, Cherki struck again to complete a stunning individual burst that effectively ended Palace's hopes.
Haaland and Cherki lead City's perfect start
Erling Haaland scored City's other two goals, while Palace briefly threatened a comeback with their goal in the 56th minute.
Cherki quickly made sure that threat disappeared.
The result leaves Manchester City with two victories from their opening two Premier League matches under Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola this summer.
City will host Coventry in the next league round before turning their attention to a major Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
For Cherki, however, the Palace match will be remembered for one extraordinary half-time request. He asked Maresca for a few more minutes to prove himself – and answered with two goals and the man-of-the-match award.