Man City star Rayan Cherki’s Carabao Cup final showboating behaviour leaves boss Pep Guardiola shaking his head – and infuriates Arsenal
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left less than impressed by Rayan Cherki’s showboating during his side’s Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal.
City drew first blood in the Premier League title race by defeating rivals Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, with Nico O’Reilly bagging a brace for the eventual winners.
It leaves Arsenal with three trophies to play for rather than four, with City hot on their heels – nine points behind with a game in hand and still a match versus the leaders – in the league standings.
But Cherki, starting the game in the capital, took it upon himself to have some fun on the day. With his side 2-0 up and cruising in the 69th minute, the Frenchman started to perform kick ups after bringing down a cross-field ball.
Rodri had played a lofted pass towards him on the left, and he took it down on his chest before his foot. But, without the ball hitting the ground, Cherki performed three kick ups, much to the amusement of the Manchester City faithful.
But Guardiola didn’t see the funny side of it. Television cameras cut to the City boss shaking his head, and he appeared to give him a sarcastic telling off when substituting his star late on.
Rayan Cherki took it upon himself to showboat during Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final win
His manager, Pep Guardiola, didn’t see the funny side of things as he shook his head
As Cherki, who is known for his flair play, performed the skill, Ben White and Noni Madueke approached.
The forward passed the ball off before either Arsenal man could get too close, but was clattered by White soon after.
It mattered not, however – as the Frenchman got up unharmed and continued to play, with his side winning 2-0 on the day.
Cherki has had a fine start to life at City this season, scoring nine goals and picking up a further 10 assists in all competitions.
Just 23 of his 41 appearances have been from the start, but he will be hopeful of a more regular starting spot in the title run-in as he continues to prove to be a key part of Guardiola’s set up.
