City youngster salutes teammate after defining Premier League clash

Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has hailed the impact of one of his teammates after Pep Guardiola’s men recorded a statement 2-1 win over Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Rayan Cherki, who joined City in June 2025 as a replacement for club legend Kevin de Bruyne, opened the scoring.

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A few months ago, Arsenal looked destined to win the league title for the first time since 2004 and have led the log for the most part of this season.

“It makes life easier for all of us when he can go out and do that magic,” O’Reilly told City Media.

“We all know how good of a player he is and when he can go and show it in these big games.

“He’s massive for all of us.

“I enjoyed it a lot. A great win, the crowd were amazing today. I’m buzzing with everything.”

City’s late-season surge, combined with the Gunners’ drop in form, means that the title race is wide open again.

Should Pep Guardiola’s side win their upcoming league game against Burnley on Wednesday, the two sides at the summit will be level on points with Arsenal, with only goal difference separating them.

Meanwhile, regardless of what happens in the title race, City will have to prepare for some big changes ahead of next season.

It has been confirmed that captain Bernardo Silva, who has been with the team since 2017 and won six Premier League titles, will depart.

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Guardiola, whose contract runs until the end of next term, has also not ruled out the possibility of departing the club earlier than usual at the end of this campaign.

O’Reilly, 21, who can operate as a left-back or midfielder, has been a revelation for City this season, truly establishing himself as a first-team regular.

He looks set to be a key part of the team going forward and will likely be in the England team that will compete at the World Cup.

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Arsenal Manchester City Nico O’Reilly Premier League Rayan Cherki