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Rayan Cherki's exquisite rabona assist during Manchester City's win over Sunderland this weekend drew gasps from the home crowd and may be a spark of genius to shift the momentum in this campaign's championship battle.

But while ex-Manchester City player Steph Houghton described it as the assist of the season, manager Pep Guardiola was not as excited - urging the French playmaker to keep things simple.

Cherki was the star of the show at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men ensured there was no slip-up following leaders Arsenal's late loss at Aston Villa, and now sit just two points behind the top.

The 22-year-old had rolled the ball to Ruben Dias for the first goal, which the Portugal international powered home from distance, but his next contribution will be talked about for years.

Cherki ran at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, turned him inside out, before clipping an daring rabona, which the arriving Phil Foden nodded home off the crossbar.

"That's something I practice," Cherki said to television. "I know my quality, which is my skill, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's crucial to give the right passes for them."

It was a sublime pass but Guardiola's post-match comments indicated he wasn't a fan, cautioning Cherki may need to look at Argentine great Lionel Messi's approach in keeping it simple.

"I've never witnessed Messi play a cross like he has done," stated Guardiola. "Messi is the greatest to ever play but I have never seen such crosses.

"Crosses are fine, right or left or whatever part of the foot, it doesn't matter. If it is effective, it is fine, but I prefer the simple play because I took a lesson from Messi that I can't go wrong with the simple things.

"The simple things he does flawlessly, then he dribbles past four or five players. I want players to do the simple things well and after that you have unique ability and he can do as he pleases.

"However, if the basics aren't there, it will be a issue. He will be in trouble."

The assist still attracted plenty of praise, though. Former City defender Houghton, commentating, remarked: "What an assist! Pass of the campaign."

Cherki to Have a 'Major Part' for Man City

Cherki earned a rapturous applause for his virtuoso performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the closing stages.

Upon being named player of the match by smoothing his hair, grinning and nodding in acknowledgment, aware it had been a job well done.

The summer acquisition from Lyon started the season in perfect fashion by finding the net in the comprehensive win of Wolves, but suffered a muscle problem thereafter which kept him out for eight weeks.

He has now produced six assists in thirteen appearances in all competitions so far, demonstrating he is finding his best form for City.

Guardiola required a creative spark in the final third following the departure of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the Frenchman may provide just that.

Cherki made six chances against Sunderland, touching the ball 104 times and contesting 14 duels - statistics which are superior than any other player on the pitch highlighting his influence on the game.

Ex-Premier League player Danny Murphy said on BBC Sport: "Rayan Cherki has been in and out of the City team, missing two months through injury at the beginning of the campaign, but he has wonderful skill and vision.

"Pep Guardiola is wary of having too many players in his side who don't contribute defensively and he might consider Cherki and ask: 'Is he a number 10, can he play wide?' But Cherki is able to unlocking teams at any moment with a moment of magic.

"Based on recent performances, he is developing a nice relationship with Erling Haaland. When you are a centre-forward, you want players prepared to take a risk the decisive pass and Cherki is definitely a gambler.

"He displayed incredible technique today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a huge part for them going ahead."

Gunners to Drop 'Few Points'

The hosts' straightforward 3-0 victory over the Black Cats turned up the pressure on Arsenal.

It was just the second loss suffered by Mikel Arteta's side this season but it may be highly costly come the end of the campaign.

At the start of November, the Gunners had beaten Burnley to move nine points clear of City but a few weeks on, that lead has been whittled down to two.

Aston Villa have thrust themselves into the title race, moving just three behind the top following their impressive victory over Arsenal.

Guardiola said: "It's preferable to be nearer to the top of the league but from my past of winning the Premier League and titles, it is the consistency.

"Consistency comes from the way you play, not from the outcomes or being a couple of points ahead or four in front. it is your performance level and how much you improve during the team. Today has been one of the finest displays of the year for 95 minutes.

"With the Premier League, I have the sense that Arsenal are going to drop [very] few points - and if we want to be there, we have to win consistently.

"That comes from the manner in which you play, not just for a lucky day or lucky action."