Steven Gerrard directly calls out Man City star after PSG defeat as ‘man down’ claim emerges

Steven Gerrard was far from impressed with a Manchester City star’s performance as Enzo Maresca’s side fell to a 4-2 defeat against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League league phase.

City were greeted by a raucous atmosphere for their first match back at the Etihad after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

Maresca’s side looked to build on their perfect start to the season but were quickly pegged back by PSG’s attacking power when Desire Doué smashed past Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 13th minute.

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Doué turned provider two minutes later, setting up Ousmane Dembélé, who made it 2-0 before Vitinha curled home a third in the 32nd minute.

City pulled one back thanks to Erling Haaland in the 53rd minute before Donnarumma failed to save Maghnès Akliouche’s shot in the 62nd minute, which put PSG further ahead.

Haaland completed his brace with 15 minutes left before Ferran Torres had the chance to make it 5-2 from the penalty spot late on, only for the Spaniard to hit a weak shot into Donnarumma’s grasp.

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Steven Gerrard calls out Man City star in PSG defeat

Several City players put in below-par performances, with Gerrard, who was commentating for TNT Sports, even suggesting it was as though City were playing “a man down in midfield with [Rayan] Cherki”.

Cherki failed to make a positive impact on the game before being withdrawn and replaced by Ayyoub Buaddi at half-time, with Gerrard praising the Moroccan for his composure and stating that he can play at the highest level.

Fans reacted to Gerrard’s harsh comment about Cherki on social media.

One said: “Gerrard is hammering Cherki, but Enzo and Anderson aren't exactly tearing up trees either.”

Another added: “I LOVE STEVEN GERRARD. He just said Man City with a man less in midfield with Cherki playing.”

A third commented: “We just can't play Cherki & Fernandez together. Unfortunately one of them has to be a bench player unless they somehow become better together.”

While a fourth wrote: “Ndiaye and Bouaddi have been phenomenal since coming on. And clearly Anderson benefits from the latter’s presence, being able to go forward more. As talented as Cherki is, he seemed overwhelmed by the intensity of the game from the start.”

City return to action at home against Ipswich on October 17.

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