Cherki scores his fourth goal of the season, Barcola blanks for the fifth time

Rayan Cherki scored his fourth goal of the season across all competitions on Sunday, as Manchester City defeated Sunderland 5-3 in the Premier League. Bradley Barcola, starting for Liverpool at Bournemouth, failed to find the net for the fifth time in his new colours.

Already on the scoresheet in the League Cup against Norwich midweek, Cherki was clinical in the box, beating Sunderland’s goalkeeper from the penalty spot in the 29th minute. The match proved to be an entertaining affair: Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring (9’), before Brian Brobbey netted a hat-trick for the Black Cats (12’, 33’, 59’), answered by Antoine Semenyo’s brace (43’, 57’). Erling Haaland sealed Manchester City’s victory late on (81’).

At Bournemouth, Barcola failed to make an impact on the game. The former Paris player, still seeking his first goal or assist with the Reds, was denied by Petrovic’s save in the 33rd minute. It was Alexander Isak who secured Liverpool’s victory (0-1), capitalizing on good work from Cody Gakpo on the right wing, who got the better of Adrien Truffert.

A positive note for Jérémy Jacquet, also present on the pitch at Bournemouth: the defender delivered another solid performance, confirming his consistency since the start of the season. The three French internationals will join Clairefontaine on Monday to prepare for France’s upcoming fixtures.