Rayan Cherki's sublime rabona assist during Manchester City's win over Sunderland this weekend drew gasps from the home crowd and may be a moment of inspiration to turn the tide in this season's championship battle.
But while former City defender Steph Houghton described it as the best pass of the campaign, manager Pep Guardiola was not as excited - urging the French playmaker to keep things simple.
The 22-year-old was the standout performer at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men ensured there was no slip-up 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 defender thumped into the net from distance, but his second assist will be remembered for a long time.
Driving at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, sent him the wrong way, before delivering an daring rabona, which the onrushing Phil Foden headed into the net via the crossbar.
"I worked for that," Cherki said to television. "I'm aware of my abilities, which is my skill, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's very important to provide the right passes for them."
That was a sublime pass but Guardiola's post-match comments indicated he wasn't a fan, cautioning Cherki may need to look at Argentine great Lionel Messi's ability in prioritizing simplicity.
"I never saw Messi play a cross like he has done," stated Guardiola. "He is the greatest to play the game but I have never seen these kind of crosses.
"Crossing is okay, with either foot or which part of your feet, it doesn't matter. If it is effective, it is fine, but I like the simple play because I took a lesson from Messi that I never make a mistake with the fundamentals.
"Fundamentals he does perfectly, then he beats four or five players. I want players to do the simple things well and after that you have unique ability and he can do whatever he wants.
"However, if the basics aren't there, it will be a issue. He will be in trouble."
The assist still attracted a lot of praise, though. Former City defender Houghton, commentating, remarked: "That assist! Pass of the campaign."
Cherki to Have a 'Huge Part' for Man City
The midfielder received a rapturous applause for his virtuoso performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the 82nd minute.
Upon being named man of the match by running his hand through 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 style by finding the net in the comprehensive win of Wolves, but sustained a muscle problem thereafter which sidelined him for eight weeks.
He now has six assists in 13 games in all tournaments so far, demonstrating he is beginning to hit his stride 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.
Cherki made six chances against Sunderland, having possession 104 times and engaging in 14 duels - statistics which are superior than any other player on the pitch underscoring his impact on the game.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said on BBC Sport: "Cherki's been in and out of the City team, missing two months through injury at the beginning of the campaign, but he has immense talent and creativity.
"Pep Guardiola is wary of having too many players in his side who don't contribute defensively and he might consider Cherki and ask: 'Can he play centrally, can he play wide?' But Cherki is able to opening up teams at any moment with a bit of brilliance.
"From watching recent games, he is starting to build a nice relationship with Erling Haaland. When you are a striker, you want players willing to attempt the decisive pass and Cherki is certainly a gambler.
"He displayed incredible technique today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a huge part for them moving forward."
Arsenal Will Drop 'Very Few Points'
The hosts' straightforward 3-0 victory over the Black Cats cranked the heat up on Arsenal.
It was just the second loss suffered by Mikel Arteta's side in the league but it could prove incredibly damaging when the season concludes.
On 1 November, the Gunners had beaten Burnley to move nine points clear of City but a few weeks on, that advantage has been whittled down to two.
Unai Emery's 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 a couple of points ahead or four in front. it is how you perform and how much you improve during the team. Today has been one of the best performances of the year during 95 minutes.
"In this league, I have the feeling 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 fortunate afternoon or lucky action."
