Pardew Fumes at Cherki's Showboating as City Edge Arsenal in Cup Final Drama

Former Premier League boss Alan Pardew has launched a scathing attack on Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, accusing the attacking midfielder of crossing a line with his showboating during the Carabao Cup final showdown with Arsenal.

Nico O'Reilly's brace proved decisive as City claimed their fifth League Cup trophy and secured the first piece of domestic silverware for the campaign under Pep Guardiola's stewardship.

The 22-year-old Cherki, who has amassed nine goals and nine assists across 41 outings this season, produced a moment of unnecessary flair midway through the second period. With the ball dropping onto his chest, he proceeded to juggle it three times—a display that drew the ire of Arsenal's Ben White, who collected a booking for his forceful intervention. The incident came with City already commanding a 2-0 advantage.

Pardew wasted little time voicing his disapproval in the aftermath, branding Cherki's antics as crossing the line of acceptable conduct. The Frenchman's behaviour prompted visible frustration from Guardiola on the touchline.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Pardew offered his assessment: "Cherki's got youth on his side, but he lacks nous. Juggling like that—it's simply not cricket in the professional game. Pep made his feelings clear with that headshake. You don't do that at this level."

When pressed on whether such conduct matched the severity of a striker rounding the keeper before going down to head home, Pardew held firm: "The ball juggling's actually the worse offence. Pointless, unnecessary stuff. He didn't have to go there. The lad was brilliant otherwise—doing all the right things, playing with real quality. But that? No.

"Guardiola will have a quiet word, mark my words. A gentle reminder: don't repeat that performance."

City's manager, meanwhile, reflected on a commanding display against the division's finest. Guardiola acknowledged the magnitude of facing Arsenal and stressed his satisfaction at proving his side's credentials under pressure.

"I still get a buzz from these occasions," Guardiola explained to gathered media. "Today presented a genuine examination, and nobody hands us anything on a plate. We showed exactly what we're capable of against the best around. That's our benchmark, our identity. We embrace the test. Arsenal are top-tier opposition, and in that second half, I honestly wasn't sure we'd manage what we did against them."

For several City squad members, the triumph marked a maiden medal at this level. Guardiola believes the experience will prove invaluable as his side chases further honours.

"The first Carabao here against Arsenal taught us something similar," he added. "James Trafford, making his cup final bow. Khusanov, barely a year in. Nico O'Reilly's impressed across his opening full campaign. Semenyo getting his first taste of this stage. Multiple fresh faces getting that experience—it counts for something. It breeds confidence, belief that we can deliver.

"We're a stronger outfit than last season, undoubtedly. But we're still some distance from where we need to be. That takes patience. The remainder of this campaign and beyond—that's when we'll see the real progress."