Rayan Cherki's exquisite rabona assist during Manchester City's victory over Sunderland this weekend elicited awe from the Etihad Stadium faithful and may be a spark of genius to shift the momentum in this season's championship battle.
However while former City defender Steph Houghton described it as the best pass of the campaign, boss Pep Guardiola was far less enthusiastic - urging the French playmaker to stick to the basics.
The 22-year-old was the star of the show at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men avoided a stumble following table-toppers Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, and now sit two points off the top.
The 22-year-old had rolled the ball to Ruben Dias for the opener, which the Portugal international thumped into the net from 30 yards, but his next contribution will be talked about for years.
Cherki ran at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, turned him inside out, before clipping an daring rabona, which the arriving Phil Foden headed into the net via the crossbar.
"I worked for that," Cherki told BBC Match of the Day. "I know my quality, which is my skill, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's crucial to give the right passes for them."
It was a sublime pass but Guardiola's post-match comments indicated he didn't approve, warning Cherki should consider Argentine great Lionel Messi's approach in keeping it simple.
"I've never witnessed Messi play a cross like he has done," said Guardiola. "Messi is the greatest to ever play but I have never seen such crosses.
"Crosses are fine, with either foot or which part of your feet, it isn't important. If it is effective, it is fine, but I prefer the simplicity because I took a lesson from Messi that I can't go wrong with the simple things.
"Fundamentals he does flawlessly, then he beats four or five players. I want players to do the basics well and after that you have special talent and he can do as he pleases.
"However, if the basics aren't there, it will be a issue. He will be in trouble."
The assist still attracted plenty of admiration, though. Former City defender Houghton, on the BBC's Final Score, said: "What an assist! Pass of the campaign."
The midfielder received a rapturous applause for his virtuoso performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the 82nd minute.
He reacted to being named player of the match by running his hand through his hair, smiling and nodding his head, knowing it had been a job well done.
The summer acquisition from Lyon began the campaign in perfect fashion by scoring in the comprehensive win of Wolves, but sustained a thigh injury thereafter which sidelined him for eight weeks.
He has now produced six assists in thirteen appearances in all tournaments this season, showing he is beginning to hit his stride for City.
The manager needed a source of invention in the final third following the departure of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the France international could be the answer.
Cherki made six chances against Sunderland, touching the ball 104 times and engaging in 14 duels - metrics which rank higher than any other player on the pitch highlighting his impact on the game.
Ex-Premier League player Danny Murphy said on BBC Sport: "Rayan Cherki has been in and out of the City team, missing two months through injury at the start of the season, but he has immense talent and vision.
"Pep Guardiola is wary of having too many players in his side who aren't defensive-minded and he might consider Cherki and ask: 'Can he play centrally, can he play wide?' But Cherki is capable of unlocking teams at any moment with a moment of magic.
"Based on recent performances, he is starting to build a good understanding with Erling Haaland. When you are a centre-forward, you want players prepared to take a risk the decisive pass and Cherki is certainly a gambler.
"He showed unbelievable skill today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a significant role for them going ahead."
City's comfortable 3-0 victory over the Black Cats cranked the heat up on Arsenal.
This was only the second loss suffered by Mikel Arteta's side this season but it could prove highly costly come the end of the campaign.
On 1 November, the Gunners had defeated Burnley to move nine points clear of City but a few weeks on, that advantage has been reduced to two.
Aston Villa have thrust themselves into the championship chase, moving just three behind the top following their notable win over Arsenal.
The City manager stated: "It's preferable 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.
"Consistency comes from the way you play, not from the outcomes or being two points in front or four in front. it is your performance level and how much you improve during the team. Today has been one of the finest displays 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 lucky day or lucky action."
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