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Rayan Cherki's sublime rabona assist during Manchester City's win over Sunderland on Saturday drew gasps from the home crowd and could prove to be a moment of inspiration to turn the tide in this campaign's championship battle.

However while former City defender Steph Houghton described it as the best pass of the campaign, boss Pep Guardiola was far less enthusiastic - advising the attacking midfielder to stick to the basics.

The 22-year-old was the star of the show at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men avoided a stumble following leaders Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, and now sit two points off the top.

Cherki had rolled the ball to Ruben Dias for the first goal, which the Portugal international powered home from 30 yards, but his second assist will be talked about for years.

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

"I worked for that," Cherki told BBC Match of the Day. "I know my quality, which is my technique, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's very important to give the right passes for them."

That was a magnificent pass but Guardiola's reaction afterwards suggested he didn't approve, cautioning Cherki should consider Argentine great Lionel Messi's approach in keeping it simple.

"I never saw Messi play a cross like he has done," said Guardiola. "Messi is the greatest to play the game but I never saw these kind of crosses.

"Crossing is okay, with either foot or which part of your feet, it isn't important. 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 fundamentals.

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

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

The assist still attracted plenty of praise, though. Former City defender Houghton, on the BBC's Final Score, remarked: "That assist! Pass of the campaign."

Cherki Will Play a 'Major Part' for Man City

The midfielder received a rapturous applause for his masterful performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the closing stages.

Upon being named man of the match by smoothing his hair, smiling and nodding his head, knowing it had been a good day at the office.

The £30m summer signing from Lyon began the campaign in perfect fashion by finding the net in the 4-0 thrashing of Wolves, but suffered a muscle problem thereafter which sidelined him for eight weeks.

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

The manager needed a source of invention in the final third following the exit of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the Frenchman may provide just that.

He created six chances against Sunderland, touching the ball 104 times and engaging in 14 duels - metrics which are superior than any other player on the pitch highlighting his influence on the game.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "Cherki's been in and out of the City team, being absent through injury at the beginning of the campaign, but he has wonderful skill and creativity.

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

"From watching recent games, he is developing a good understanding with Erling Haaland. When you are a striker, you want players willing to attempt the final ball and Cherki is definitely a risk-taker.

"He showed unbelievable skill today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a huge part for them moving forward."

Gunners to Drop 'Very Few Points'

City's comfortable 3-0 victory over the Black Cats turned up the pressure on Arsenal.

It was just the second league defeat suffered by Mikel Arteta's side in the league but it may be incredibly damaging 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 month later, that lead has been reduced to two.

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

The City manager stated: "It is better to be closer than further to the top of the league but from my experience of winning the Premier League and titles, it is the consistency.

"Steady performance comes from the manner of play, not from the outcomes or being two points in front or four in front. it is how you perform and how much you grow as a team. Today has been one of the finest displays of the year during 95 minutes.

"In this 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 way you perform, not just for a lucky day or fluke moment."