- Rayan Cherki has registered multiple assists for City
- Eberechi Eze has been flexible for Arsenal
- Both players offer contrasting profiles
Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad this weekend in a crucial Premier League clash, with the contrasting roles of Rayan Cherki and Eberechi Eze likely to shape how the game unfolds.
This Sunday’s game at the Etihad could serve as a decider for the season’s Premier League title. If City win, the tables will turn, but a loss for the home side will push them further away from the trophy.
Pep Guardiola’s side recently won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge with their playmaker Rayan Cherki recording two assists in the process.
It is safe to assume that the French international will play a key role for the Sky Blues at the weekend. However, the visitors have a dangerous weapon of their own.
Control will favour Cherki
Despite both players being primarily attacking midfielders, their roles differ significantly. City’s Cherki ranks in the 98.7th percentile for assists across all competitions.
Eze, on the other hand, does not create chances for his teammates as often. In fact, he has only assisted twice in the league this season, which is not great for an attacking midfielder.
In their last game at Stamford Bridge, the Citizens struggled in the first half despite holding higher possession than in the second half.
Cherki was part of the problem as the playmaker could not find space between the lines. In the second half, the game changed completely with the Frenchman stepping up and providing two assists.
The important takeaway is that the control of the game matters more than the control of the ball. If Cherki can take control again against Arsenal, the game will lean in City’s favour.
Eze has one advantage over Cherki
Eze might not be a playmaker like Cherki, but he has shown himself to be a bigger goal threat. The England international ranks in the top 16 per cent of Premier League players for non-penalty goals.
Cherki on the other hand has just three league goals this season. Therefore, what Eze lacks in chance creation, he makes up for with his scoring abilities.
The Arsenal attacker relies a lot on volume. He has averaged 2.86 shots per 90, which puts him in the top eight per cent of attacking midfielders in the league.
Head-to-head comparison
This percentile spider chart maps out the major differences between the players. Cherki comes out on top in each area, except for dribbles, crosses completed and non-penalty goals.
Indeed, Eze is a long way off Cherki in every department except for non-penalty goals. Nevertheless, City’s playmaker was not detrimental against Arsenal in their last meeting.
The Englishman, on the other hand, did not compete due to an injury. However, with Eze expected to play this Sunday and Cherki’s recent form, both players could have the chance to make an impact in the title race.
