Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki found himself at the center of a heated showdown at Wembley on Sunday after infuriating Arsenal’s defense with a flashy midfield performance.
The French playmaker, who helped City win 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final, drew criticism from both his opponents and his own manager for his flamboyant ‘keep-up’ display while the game was still in the balance.
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The incident happened in the second half, just after City had taken the lead. With the ball at his feet in the center of the pitch, Cherki controlled the ball with his chest before opting for a series of casual kick-ups.
The reaction from the Wembley crowd was immediate, with cheers from the City fans and jeers from the traveling north London fans.
Pep Guardiola disapproves, Ben White slams Cherki
Arsenal players did not take this disrespectful act lightly. Seconds after Cherki began his routine, Gunners defender Ben White took a violent and cynical attack on the midfielder, leaving Cherki stranded on the turf.
The touchline also offered no escape for Cherki. Pep Guardiola looked less than happy on the sideline and was caught on camera shaking his head in disappointment at his players’ actions.
Man City end Arsenal’s four dreams
Manchester City’s victory officially ended Arsenal’s hopes of winning a historic quadruple title, but given their nine-point lead in the Premier League, the feat looks increasingly likely.
The match was decided by an unlikely hero in Nico O’Reilly. The academy graduate, who celebrated his 21st birthday at the weekend, scored two headers in just four minutes to seal City’s ninth League Cup title.
His first goal came after a notable mistake by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who fumbled Cherki’s cross into the youngster’s path.
Despite two goals from Riccardo Calafioli and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal could not find a way past James Trafford, leaving Mikel Arteta to reflect on the “bitter taste” as City lifted their first major silver of 2026.
