Cherki’s Day Out! Frenchman Exudes Brilliance As Man City Thump Arsenal To EFL Cup

Last Updated:March 23, 2026, 6:25 PM IST

Cherki demonstrated fancy feet and produced moments of brilliance that made fans of the game stand and take notice of the prodigal talent of the Frenchman.

Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki points to his club badge as he is substituted during the English League Cup final soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City in London, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Pelham)

Manchester City clinched the EFL Cup with a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday as Pep Guardiola claimed his 19th piece of silverware since taking over the helm at City with the triumph.

Nico O’Riley netted a brace in the triumph, but it was Rayan Cherki who asserted his influence on the game as he spearheaded City’s charge towards the title with a sterling second-half showing after a goalless first period of the game.

Cherki tossed in a lovely cross into the box which found its way to O’Riley after a howler from Arsenal custodian Kepa as the young boy from Manchester headed the ball in to open the scoring before doubling down on his tally minutes later.

Cherki demonstrated fancy feet and produced moments of brilliance that made fans of the game stand and take notice of the prodigal talent of the Frenchman.

Guardiola was seen celebrating his fifth EFL Cup title as animated as ever, and when the question came up at the presser about his antics, he answered in typical Guardiola fashion.

Guariola also lauded goalkeeper James Trafford, who produced a crucial triple-save early in the game to deny both Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

“We made an incredible victory. To win against that team makes it special,” Guardiola said.

“James saved us in the first minutes. Nathan Ake was excellent today. Everybody has made a contribution,” Guardiola said.

“We were required to do something we have not been good at this season, without the ball. I cannot believe how good we have done it in the second half, especially against that team.”

Despite Arsenal’s defeat, Guardiola, who mentored Gunners boss Arteta, heaped praise on his protégé, who has built one of the finest sides in Europe at the moment.

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