Manchester City emphatically dispatched Exeter City with a 10-1 win at the Etihad Stadium yesterday in the third round of the FA Cup. The win showed the gulf in quality and class between the two teams, as it became a procession for City. A host of Manchester City’s youngsters impressed, as did Antoine Semenyo in his City debut. Another performance also caught my eye in yesterday’s match: that of Rayan Cherki. Cherki played a more central role in yesterday’s match. Come the final whistle, it left me with the thought that playing centrally is Rayan Cherki’s best position in this City side.
Playing in a more central role brought out another side of Rayan Cherki’s game.
Rayan Cherki was too much for Exeter City to handle at the Etihad Stadium, playing in a central role. That isn’t an outlandish statement to make; it’s just the reality of seeing League One players try and contain one of the best playmakers in world football. Cherki drifted around the pitch throughout yesterday’s match, and his passing helped City control the tempo. Cherki picked his moments well, although he did give away possession on several occasions trying to do too much. But that is Cherki as a player and what makes him so special. Cherki’s assist to set up Antoine Semenyo’s first goal for Manchester City was sublime, and that was a standout moment from yesterday’s match.
Nah, Cherki is different, what an assist btw 😂 pic.twitter.com/PzW9uGZ4Ae
— Ryan (@WeareManC1ty) January 11, 2026
Another side of Rayan Cherki’s game caught the eye yesterday. Given more responsibility in midfield, Cherki showed signs of leadership throughout yesterday’s match. He was often seen advising Manchester City’s younger players as the game unfolded. That was fantastic to see. Cherki was also seen telling his teammates where to be in possession, and he was also seen directing traffic, so to speak, when City had possession. Playing in a more central role gave Cherki a prominent role to play for Manchester City yesterday. He seemed to embrace it as the match wore on.
📸 – Rayan Cherki giving some advice to Ryan McAidoo. pic.twitter.com/ypakjGY26A
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) January 10, 2026
Is playing Rayan Cherki centrally more often something that Manchester City will do more often?
Of course, you cannot draw too many conclusions from watching Manchester City dominate Exeter City. The gulf in class and quality between the two teams is vast. But what Cherki showed playing a more central role is food for thought, if nothing else. He seemed to thrive given more responsibility. As mentioned above, another side of his game came to the fore yesterday. Perhaps Cherki could start in a similar position against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup or in next weekend’s Manchester derby. Those are big games and could be the ideal setting for Pep Guardiola to unleash Cherki in a similar role to the one he played yesterday.
Rayan Cherki has played on the right wing and drifted centrally predominantly this season. But yesterday he played in a more central role for an entire match, and it seemed to suit his game. Cherki’s performance yesterday does leave you wondering if playing in midfield is the best role for him in Pep Guardiola’s side.
