Pep Guardiola furious with Rayan Cherki as Man City win Carabao Cup | Football | Sport

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was spotted shaking his head following a moment of showboating from Rayan Cherki during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory against Arsenal. City were leading the Gunners 2-0 at the time following a quickfire second-half double from Nico O’Reilly. Cherki was seen performing keepy-uppies shortly after O’Reilly doubled City’s advantage at Wembley Stadium.

This prompted disapproval from Guardiola, who was caught shaking his head by the Sky Sports cameras, upon watching the Frenchman’s trickery. Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville also clocked the reaction from Guardiola on the touchline. The ex-England international offered his opinion whilst commentating on the final – highlighting the frustration of Arsenal centre-back Ben White at the incident as well.

He said: “I don’t think he likes that [Ben] White, I think it’s a bit too early for that if I am being honest. I think I might have done that myself and he didn’t like it either. Pep Guardiola is a professional, confident but not arrogant.

“That was a little bit arrogant from Cherki. He (Cherki) is smiling as well. You have always got to remember that Arsenal can get a goal and you start to look silly if you are celebrating with 20-odd minutes to go. His team-mates will not think it’s a great idea either.”

City’s Wembley triumph on Sunday, courtesy of O’Reilly’s brace, represents a fifth League Cup success for Guardiola. It could also be a boost for City in the Premier League title rivals.

Arsenal are nine points clear of City but Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, and will also host the Londoners at the Etihad next month. The Gunners are trophyless since 2020 and have not won the league since 2004.

And Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports: “When Liverpool lost here against Newcastle last year, there was 12 points in it [the title race]. That’s a massive buffer and the other teams didn’t have a game in hand.

“For Arsenal, the doubts, the negativity, this changes the whole complexion of the title race. I’m not saying it puts Man City completely back in it, but it gives them a massive opportunity when they play in April.”