RAYAN STARTS TO STAND OUT WITH PEP TALK

'CRAZY' is the word that comes out of Rayan Cherki's mouth when he is asked for a description of what Pep Guardiola is like.

- BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI

And when he immediately follows it up by calling himself crazy, it is not hard to understand that Manchester City’s summer signing is thrilled with his new environment.

Cherki made just his second start of the season in their 3-1 Carabao Cup win against Swansea on Wednesday, having been sidelined for six weeks with a thigh injury.

It was frustrating for the Frenchman, who scored as a substitute on his debut at Wolves in August.

In his absence Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden locked down the central midfield positions, but they are not providing the goals or assists that the team need, as Sunday's defeat byAston Villa showed.