MANCHESTER — Enzo Maresca revealed Rayan Cherki was frustrated to be left on the bench before the “unbelievable” Manchester City playmaker inspired a dramatic 2-1 win against Bournemouth yesterday. 

Maresca opted to select Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo instead of Cherki for his first Premier League game as City boss.

But with City trailing to Marcus Tavernier’s first half goal at the Etihad Stadium, the Italian was forced into a chance of plan in the 62nd minute.

Maresca sent on Cherki, who is short of full fitness after the World Cup, and the French star responded by showing why he should have started in the first place.

Cherki’s corner was headed in by Marc Guehi for City’s 84th minute equaliser and then played a deft pass to Josko Gvardiol, who slotted the winner two minutes into stoppage-time.

“The impact was unbelievable, he is that kind of player,” Maresca said.

“I like Rayan, I told him also after the game, but sometimes when you plan a game and you already have (picked) four out of 11 players who arrived late (from holidays), if you go with one more maybe the difference is too big.”

Cherki sometimes frustrated Maresca’s predecessor Pep Guardiola with his volatile personality and habit of unfurling flamboyant tricks instead of simple passes last season.

But Maresca insisted he had no problem with Cherki’s character or ability.

“Rayan is quite a nice and clear boy. If he is not happy he wants to show it and I know that he was not happy today, but at the end I had to take a decision,” Maresca said.