Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal to just six points after a 3-0 win over Chelsea, but Nico O’Reilly’s injury has cast a shadow over the victory.
O’Reilly’s Goal and Hamstring Scare
Nico O’Reilly netted the opener for City with a superb header, his fifth Premier League goal this season. The youngster pulled up and required treatment from the City medical staff before he had to exit the pitch.
O’Reilly seemed to feel his hamstring. He appeared relatively unfazed upon his departure, pausing to chat with Pep Guardiola, who responded with a smile.
Unfortunately, no update was provided in the post-match presser, nor the interviews with the BBC or Sky.
If Nico O’Reilly is sidelined for Double Gameweek 33, the stock of Marc Guehi and Rayan Ait-Nouri rises.
Cherki Earns Guardiola’s Trust
Rayan Cherki created the goals for O’Reilly and Guehi, taking his assist tally to 11, the most of any player except Bruno Fernandes in 2025/26. Guardiola seems to have found a winning formula over the last few matches, with Cherki part of an exciting front four with Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.
Guardiola said that Cherki’s quality in his first season in the Premier League is something unique. He added that Cherki has to learn to play for 95 minutes doing what they have to do, but his work ethic is unbelievable knowing he doesn’t have the speed and pressing that Antoine Semenyo has.
Guardiola stated that Rayan has something special, and if Manchester City decide to bring that player in, it is because Manchester City is working really well.
A real maverick on the pitch, Cherki appears to have earned Guardiola’s trust, marking him out as a tempting differential in Double Gameweek 33, when City face Arsenal and Burnley.
Haaland and Semenyo’s Struggles
Erling Haaland contributed with four shots but didn’t get as much service as he’d have liked.
It didn’t happen for Antoine Semenyo either, who went into the book for a foul on Pedro Neto and really should have done better from the chances he had.
City were poor in the first half, but after the break, they stepped it up, with Cherki superb.
With a double gameweek on the horizon, City will hope O’Reilly’s injury is not serious as they prepare to face Arsenal and Burnley.