Enzo Maresca insisted Manchester City’s opening difficulties at Selhurst Park only made the 4-1 win more pleasing, as the City manager lavished praise on Rayan Cherki.
Two goals from Cherki and a brace from Erling Haaland sealed a comfortable win on a night that started awkwardly before City found their rhythm.
“Probably the first five or 10 minutes we saw how difficult it was,” he said. “It’s a difficult pitch and tough opponents. After 10 minutes we controlled the game on the ball and off the ball and deserved to win.
“The intensity on the team has been good. We scored four, probably could’ve scored more, only conceded one. Off the ball we were quite good, struggled for the first 10 minutes. On the ball, tried to put players into a position to attack.”
Cherki singled out for defensive display
While the Frenchman’s two goals and two assists drew the headlines, Maresca was particularly vocal about the work Cherki produced when City did not have the ball, specifically his role in nullifying Adam Wharton.
“His performance off the ball was unbelievable,” Maresca said. “Everyone knows his quality but when he works hard off the ball, he was in charge of Wharton, he controlled him. He was very good.
“He’s helping us and is going to help in the future. We know he’s a quality player. I think he was very, very good off the ball and was working very hard.”
Foden adaptation continues
Foden again drew mixed reviews from those watching, missing several clear chances in the first half before contributing two assists.
Maresca struck a patient tone when discussing a player he clearly sees as central to his plans, while acknowledging that the winger role is not where Foden is most comfortable.
“In the last 10-15 minutes you can see he was even more happy to play inside behind Erling. That’s his position. He’s trying to adapt and trying to help when playing winger. His working is good, he’s doing very good,” he added
“He’s adapting, we know he’s not a winger, we’re trying to find a solution. When he was inside, you could see he was enjoying it more. The attitude is very good and it’s what we need.”
