Cherki rocket proves he's more than just tribute act

Take Erling Haaland out of the team and Manchester City still had two of his trademark celebrations.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Which, in turn, meant they had a goal to set them on a path to the Carabao Cup semifinals. If the temptation is to say that Haaland is inimitable, Rayan Cherki delivered his impression of the Norwegian, but more after scoring than in the act of it.

Haaland has many a goal in his repertoire, but probably not the rocket Cherki unleashed from 20 yards, especially as it followed dainty footwork to swerve away from Mikkel Damsgaard. But the tribute was recognisable. First the robot, then the meditative pose. From his vantage point on the bench, Haaland seemed to enjoy it.

In a week in which Haaland dressed up as Santa Claus to go out on the streets of Manchester - the Norwegian accent and height meant he fooled few - Cherki showed there are different types of impersonations.

For Pep Guardiola, the comparison came more with Phil Foden or Kevin De Bruyne than Haaland. “Close to the 18-yard box of the opponent he is an exceptional player, a blind guy can realise that,” he said. “It is a fantastic goal. I saw it many times with Phil this type of goal, with Kevin before.” If Cherki’s return of four assists from his previous four league matches indicated he was providing the creativity De Bruyne used to supply, this was the kind of spectacular finish the Belgian also delivered.