Cherki stars, Dyche on Jesus + £4.0m goalkeeper starts again

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Two more Saturday matches we can look back on as we reflect on Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City and West Ham United 0-1 Fulham, with performance Rayan Cherki (£6.6 million) one of the main discussion points.

CHERKI STAR

Manchester City weren’t at their best on Saturday, but they got the job done at Nottingham Forest, with Cherki playing a vital role.

The French player provided an assist for Tijjani Reijnders‘ (£5.2m) opener, and then, scored the winner with a low finish.

His kick also went to the post.

Cherki, who leads the Premier League in minutes per chance created this season (25), has now made nine attacking returns (one goal, eight assists) since the start of November, the most players except any player Erling Haaland (£15.1 million).

“There were moments where I just wanted to yell at him and there were moments I wanted to kiss him.

“I had to allow him to express his extraordinary talent.” – Pep Guardiola on Rayan Cherki

Reijnders, meanwhile, scored for the visitors and has now scored three goals in his last five games, including four starts.

The Dutchman found more excitement in the second half on Saturday, when Pep Guardiola pushed him further forward, freeing him up to make a dangerous run past Haaland.

Above: Manchester City v Nottingham Forest’s second half passing network

There’s a blank for Phil Foden (£9.0m) and Haaland.

Foden took at least five shots John Victor (£4.0m) made a fine save to deny him.

As for Haaland, he was much more reserved and struggled to find space against the impressive player Nikola Milenkovic (£5.1 million) and Murillo (£5.2 million).

JESUS ​​“ALL”.

Despite the defeat, Forest consistently provided a threat at the City Ground, with Saturday’s performance further proving that they are moving in the right direction under Sean Dyche.

Igor Jesus (£5.8m) was hugely impressive, with his ability to hold up the ball and win duels often unsettling Pep’s back line.

The Brazilian player provided an assist Omari Hutchinson (£5.4m) for his first Forest goal, and with Chris Wood (£7.2m) underwent knee surgery, now has a real chance to start.

Jesus has taken 28 shots inside the box since the start of November, the most of any player except Haaland.

“He’s doing well. He’s learning the game. He’s strong. He plays hard, but he plays fair. The next step is to score more goals, but he’s there and he’s hungry to score goals. He’s clearly shown how good he is in everything. Now it’s just a matter of adding goals, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. But he’s scored goals this season and I think he’ll score more goals because he’s in the right areas. He’s been dropped a few times, don’t forget – the only one at Liverpool, everyone is still confused about how it happened. Something similar happened. at Wolves, but it’s different, so he can get another partner.

“He’s learning well and developing well. I’m enjoying what he’s doing. If he can be an option at the back, why not? He’s a strong player, I know that, and he can hold the ball up well. He plays competitively but fairly. He’s still new at it and still has to learn. Woody is different; he’s got depth of experience, goals and knowledge of the Premier League. Igor is doing very well to get up to speed on that and is doing a good job.” – Sean Dyche on Igor Jesus

In other news, Elliot Anderson (£5.3m) once again earned a defensive contribution point (DefCon), although he received a yellow card.

He now has four yellow cards for the season but only needs to get through Tuesday’s game against Everton before the deadline is reset.

£4.0M ‘KEEPER STARTS AGAIN

Dyche keeps faith with John Victor in goal on Saturday, with Matz Sel (£4.6m) was once again named among the substitutes.

The Forest boss previously explained that a lack of training for Sels, plus Victor’s clean sheet in Gameweek 16, was the reason he was left on the bench at Fulham.

But the £4.0m goalkeeper didn’t make many mistakes on Monday and then kept his place here, making some fine saves in the process.

Unfortunately, Dyche’s post-match interview mainly focused on the referee’s decisions rather than the goalkeeper’s current situation, leaving the owner unsure if and when Sels will return to the starting XI.

JIMENEZ’S PRAISE, IMPRESSED ROBINSON

Fulham have now won six of their last nine league games, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over West Ham pushing them into the top half of the table.

In a match that has few golden opportunities, Raul Jimenez (£6.3m) scored the winning goal, heading the ball into the net Harry Wilsoncross (£5.8 million).

Wilson, after recovering from his injury, played all 90 minutes but received his fourth yellow card of the season.

Jimenez took five shots in Gameweek 18, earning further praise from his manager.

“It’s his ability, he showed again that he gives everything for the shirt, his work ethic is incredible for a player of his age and what he can offer the team. He needs goals to be more confident. He deserves credit, he has worked very hard.” – Marco Silva on Raul Jimenez

However, Saturday’s result was largely achieved thanks to Fulham’s defensive efforts.

The Cottagers have now recorded consecutive clean sheets, and are fit again Antonee Robinson (£4.9m) is incredible.

Pushing high on the left flank, he created four chances for his teammates and only narrowly missed at DefCon.

Meanwhile for West Ham, it was another subpar performance Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) and substitute Callum Wilson (£5.8m) both missed good opportunities.

They remain in the relegation zone but at least have some good games coming up, with Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers next opponents.

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