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Pep Guardiola says that Rayan Cherki had his “best game” since joining Man City after they beat Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal of the game after meeting Rayan Ait-Nouri’s low cross in first-half stoppage time.
The win moves City back within two points of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table, and Guardiola challenged his players to find the right mentality to go all the way.
Pep Guardiola lauds ‘best game’ from Man City star Rayan Cherki
“Cherki, for me, is the best game,” he told BBC Match of the Day after the full-time whistle. “Solidity and aggressive with the ball. All of them were really good – commitment and they stick with the game plan. Now, in that part of the season, how is the mindset?
“After nine months, everyone knows what they want to do. Especially the game for the gap of the Champions League is a bit bigger and that is so important for the club. Only English club that has been in 10-11 years every year in the Champions League.”
Erling Haaland did not travel with the squad to Leeds after picking up a minor injury in training during the week, but Guardiola played down the severity of the problem.
“We don’t have spies in the training centre to deliver the info to our media,” he said. “I think it is not a big issue. We will see.”
When asked by Sky Sports how long the Norwegian striker will be sidelined, Guardiola replied: “I don’t know”.
City are back in action next Wednesday when they host Nottingham Forest at Eastlands.
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