Josep Guardiola wasn’t really impressed with Rayan Cherki after taking the mickey in the Carabao Cup final
Josep Guardiola was not happy with Rayan Cherki during the second half of the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal (Image: Sky Sports)
Manager Josep Guardiola has expressed his displeasure with Rayan Cherki after the Manchester City star kicked up in the second half of the Carabao Cup final. As City came close to winning the League Cup for the first time since 2021, Cherki took it upon himself to further mock Arsenal and quickly paid the price for his actions.
Cherki sparked Arsenal with a few casual kick-ups shortly after City’s second goal, but he was ultimately beaten down by Arsenal’s Ben White. The defender was clearly not happy and received a yellow card for the challenge as his anger threatened to flare.
Guardiola was also furious with the player, with the Spaniard shaking his head at the antics after he was spotted on the touchline. Gary Neville criticized the incident in his commentary, calling it “arrogant”.
read more: Josep Guardiola issues a stern warning at Wembley just minutes into the Carabao Cup finalread more: Ian Wright has ‘altercation’ with Carabao Cup final referee, Sky Sports microphone picks up screams
“I don’t think he likes those white people. I think that’s a little premature, to be honest,” he said. “I might have done that myself and I think he (Pep) didn’t like it either.
“Posep Guardiola is professional, confident, but not arrogant. Cherki’s was a bit arrogant. He (Cerki) is also smiling.”
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“You always have to remember that Arsenal can score, but if you’re celebrating with about 20 minutes left you start to look foolish.
“I’m sure his teammates don’t think it’s a great idea either.”
Rayan Cherki kicks up during the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Man City. (Image: Sky Sports)
After a shaky opening 45 minutes, City took control as O’Reilly made the most of a fumble by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to put Guardiola’s side ahead.
The youngster put City 2-0 up after just four minutes and Guardiola’s men watched on comfortably as they clinched their first silver medal of the season.
The Spaniard, who has won more Carabao Cups than anyone else, will hope this victory provides City with the foundation they need to chase down Arsenal and regain the Premier League crown.
Sunday was a tough blow for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, but the Gunners remain the driving force behind the league title. They are currently nine points behind City, but the race is not over yet as Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand and a rematch with Arsenal.
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