Watch: Ben White’s reaction goes viral after Cherki’s showboating vs Arsenal | OneFootball

Watch: Ben White’s reaction goes viral after Cherki’s showboating vs Arsenal | OneFootball

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·23 March 2026

Watch: Ben White’s reaction goes viral after Cherki’s showboating vs Arsenal

Article image:Watch: Ben White’s reaction goes viral after Cherki’s showboating vs Arsenal

Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki found himself at the center of a heated Wembley confrontation on Sunday after his mid-game showboating incensed Arsenal’s defense.

The French playmaker, who was instrumental in City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup Final victory, drew the criticism of both his opponents and his own manager with a flamboyant display of “keepy-ups” while the game was still very much in the balance.


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The incident occurred in the second half, shortly after City had taken a commanding lead. With the ball at his feet in the middle of the pitch, Cherki opted to perform a series of casual kick-ups after controlling the ball with his chest.

The Wembley crowd’s reaction was immediate, split between cheers from the City faithful and loud jeers from the traveling North London fans.

Ben White lashes out on Cherki as Pep Guardiola disapproves

The Arsenal players did not take the perceived disrespect lightly. Seconds after Cherki began his routine, Gunners defender Ben White clattered into the midfielder with a heavy, cynical challenge that left Cherki on the turf.

The touchline offered no refuge for Cherki either; cameras caught Pep Guardiola looking not too happy on the sideline, shaking his head in disappointment at his player’s actions.

Safe to say Ben White and Pep Guardiola weren't fans of Rayan Cherki's juggling… ?? pic.twitter.com/JmLLNGlxuR

Man City end Arsenal’s quadruple dreams

Manchester City’s victory officially ended Arsenal’s hope for a historic quadruple, a feat that had looked increasingly realistic given their nine-point lead in the Premier League.

The match was decided by an unlikely hero in Nico O’Reilly. The academy graduate, celebrating his 21st birthday weekend, scored two headers in just four minutes to secure City’s ninth League Cup title.

His first came following a high-profile error from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who fumbled a Cherki cross into the youngster’s path.

While Arsenal struck the woodwork twice through Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Jesus, they were unable to find a way past James Trafford, leaving Mikel Arteta to reflect on a “bitter taste” as City hoisted the first major silverware of 2026.

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