Rayan Cherki assisted twice during Manchester City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth and Kevin De Bruyne would be proud of one statistic.

Rayan Cherki ’s performance alongside fellow playmaker Phil Foden in Manchester City ’s 3-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Sunday was the ‘first taste of something special’, Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole.

Phil Foden lined up in midfield yesterday for Manchester City in their win over Bournemouth. Ahead of him, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki drifted centrally from the wings to almost give Manchester City three number tens when they went forward. The trio created havoc in the Bournemouth defence and played an important role in Manchester City’s win.

Cherki suffered a thigh injury at the end of August and boss Pep Guardiola said the issue would keep him out for two months. But he returned to action earlier than expected, featuring as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton.

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola could make a few alterations to his starting XI when the Sky Blues host Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday's Champions League fixture, but one certainty is the presence of Erling Haaland up front.

Erling Haaland has praised Rayan Cherki after the Frenchman provided two assists for the striker in our 3-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth. Cherki's clever header sent Haaland through to strike our opener, before Tyler Adams bundled in a leveller for the Cherries shortly after.

Pep Guardiola fielded Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden in tandem against transitional kings Bournemouth. He will have enjoyed the results; Erling Haaland certainly did.