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

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 23, 2026

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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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Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez has sparked fresh uncertainty over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge after failing to commit to the club beyond this summer.

Speaking upon his arrival in Argentina for international duty, the midfielder addressed the intensifying rumors linking him with a high-profile move to Real Madrid.

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The speculation follows a disappointing period for the Blues, who were recently eliminated from the Champions League by PSG.

With Chelsea currently sitting sixth in the Premier League and facing a battle to secure European football for next season, Fernandez’s latest comments have put Europe’s elite clubs on high alert.

Enzo Fernandez refuses to shut down Real Madrid links

When questioned about the reported interest from the Spanish giants, Fernandez was quick to clarify that no formal negotiations have taken place, but he notably left the door open for a potential exit after the 2026 World Cup.

Fernandez said (via Fabrizio Romano):

“No, honestly, nothing. Zero talks. Now we’re focused on Chelsea and what’s left of the last few games this season, and then we’ll see after the World Cup.”

This “wait and see” hints at a significant shift from the club’s official stance.

Reports suggest the midfielder is desperate to play in the Champions League, a competition Chelsea is at risk of missing for a second consecutive year.

??? Enzo Fernández on Real Madrid links: “No, honestly, nothing. Zero talks”.

“Now we're focused on Chelsea and what's left of the last few games this season and then we'll see after the World Cup”. pic.twitter.com/uGifQMRzNq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2026

Chelsea preparing mega contract offer to fend off interest

Despite the player’s ambiguous comments, the Chelsea hierarchy remains determined to keep their prize asset.

Fernandez is currently under a monumental contract that runs until 2032, providing the club with significant leverage in any potential negotiations.

Other than Real Madrid, the 25-year-old is also wanted by PSG, as well as German giants Bayern Munich.

However, to ward off the interest, Chelsea are reportedly preparing a record-breaking contract extension.

The proposed deal could see Fernandez become the highest-paid player in the club’s history, with a weekly wage exceeding £400,000.

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Arsenal’s hopes of a historic treble have been dealt a significant blow during the March international break, as star defender Gabriel Magalhaes became the latest high-profile name to withdraw from his national squad.

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Monday that the center-back would miss the Selecao’s upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia due to a knee injury.

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The 28-year-old reportedly felt discomfort in his right knee following Arsenal’s narrow 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday.

Gabriel Magalhaes withdraws from Brazil squad along with three other Arsenal players

While Gabriel managed to complete the full 90 minutes, subsequent imaging tests revealed he is not fit to participate in the international window, leaving Mikel Arteta sweating over the fitness of his defensive rock.

The federation put out the following statement: “After the game this Sunday against Manchester City, the athlete complained of pain in his right knee. Imaging tests have confirmed that Gabriel Magalhaes is not fit to play.”

Arsenal also confirmed that William Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber have all withdrawn from international duty along with the Brazilian defender due to ‘physical issues’.

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures as Premier League title edges closer

Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal remain in the driver’s seat for their first Premier League title since 2004, sitting nine points clear at the top of the table. However, the run-in is grueling.

Following the break, the Gunners face a packed April schedule, including an FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton and a massive Champions League quarter-final clash.

The title decider away at the Etihad against Manchester City on April 19 looms large; Arteta will be desperate to have his defensive duo of Saliba and Gabriel back in time to stop Erling Haaland and secure the trophy.

• 11th April – Arsenal vs Bournemouth
• 19th April – Manchester City vs Arsenal
• 25th April – Arsenal vs Newcastle
• 2nd May – Arsenal vs Fulham
• 9th May – West Ham vs Arsenal
• 17th May – Arsenal vs Burnley
• 24th May – Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

The dream of a quadruple was squashed by Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday with Nico O’Reilly scoring a brace to beat the Gunners 2-0 at Wembley in the League Cup Final.

Arteta seems to have turned full attention to the Premier League which is as of now totally in their hands.

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Manchester United stars Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have both withdrawn from their respective international squads following injury concerns picked up during club duty.

According to The Sun, the duo will remain at Carrington over the break to focus on their recovery rather than joining up with Cameroon and Slovenia.

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Mbeumo was slated to represent Cameroon in friendly fixtures against Australia and China but was forced off in the 71st minute of United’s recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Sesko will miss Slovenia’s clashes with Hungary and Montenegro. The club described Mbeumo’s withdrawal as a “precaution,” while Sesko is reportedly working through a knock that the medical staff has been “carefully managing” over the last few weeks.

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko should be back fit for Man United vs Leeds

While the news caused a brief scare among the Old Trafford faithful, the outlook for their return is positive.

Manchester United are not back in Premier League action until April 13, when they host rivals Leeds United in a high-stakes Monday night clash.

Medical staff expect the two-week hiatus to provide ample time for both forwards to reach full fitness.

With United currently involved in a tight race for a top-three finish, having a full-strength attacking line for the visit of Leeds is seen as a massive boost for Michael Carrick’s side.

Both Mbeumo and Sesko have been influential for Manchester United

The importance of the pair cannot be overstated.

Mbeumo has been a revelation on the wing, netting nine goals and providing three assists in the Premier League so far this term.

Sesko has been equally clinical, particularly since the turn of the year, scoring seven goals in 2026 alone. He has come off the bench to score the winner multiple times under Michael Carrick.

Their uptick in form under Michael Carrick has seen Manchester United climb to third in the table, a stark contrast to the club’s struggles in previous seasons.

Keeping them fit for the final run-in will be the top priority for the United medical team this month.

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Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has sensationally claimed that Arne Slot will be sacked by Liverpool if the club fails to secure Champions League football for next season.

The warning comes in the wake of a damaging 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday, a result that has left the reigning Premier League champions’ top-five hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite winning the title in his debut season, Slot’s second campaign has been marred by inconsistency.

The loss at the Amex Stadium, where a Danny Welbeck brace cancelled out Milos Kerkez’s equaliser, left Liverpool sitting in fifth place, just one point ahead of Chelsea.

Keith Wyness on Arne Slot’s future

Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness highlighted the dire financial consequences of missing out on Europe’s elite competition.

He suggested that the “mood music” at Anfield has shifted significantly against the Dutchman following a string of poor results.

Wyness said: “It certainly is looking difficult now to get Champions League, although it’s by no means certain that they may do, they may not, but it’s certainly risky.

“And that would have a big impact on revenues. And I think his head would definitely go for that reason. He will be sacked.

“But even if he doesn’t go now, it seems that the mood music is going against him.”

Estimates suggest that failure to qualify for the Champions League could cost Liverpool upwards of £100 million in lost revenue.

For owners FSG, who have sanctioned significant transfer spending, such a financial blow would likely make Slot’s position untenable, regardless of his previous silverware.

Xabi Alonso considered top candidate for Liverpool job

As pressure mounts on Slot, the hierarchy at Anfield is reportedly already looking toward a future without him. Xabi Alonso has emerged as a top candidate to take over should a change be made this summer.

The Spaniard is currently a free agent after a brief, high-pressure stint at Real Madrid ended earlier this year.

Despite his struggles in the Spanish capital, Alonso remains a beloved figure at Anfield and is considered as the obvious fit to revitalise the squad.

Reports suggest the club has already made tentative inquiries to his representatives, with Alonso said to be “open” to a return to the club where he won the Champions League as a player.

For now, Slot remains in charge, but with the financial stakes higher than ever, his margin for error has officially vanished.

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According to reports from The Telegraph, former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a primary candidate, alongside fan-favorite Mauricio Pochettino, to take the reins at the North London club.

The news comes at a precarious time for Spurs, who currently find themselves in a desperate fight for Premier League survival.

Following a devastating home defeat to Nottingham Forest, the club’s top-flight status is under significant threat.

However, despite the bleak league position, the board is actively pressing ahead with long-term structural plans.

It is reported that the club will not shy of making a second managerial change, sacking interim manager Igor Tudor and replacing with former Monaco head coach Adi Hütter as interim interim manager.

Roberto De Zerbi keen on permanent Tottenham job

As per the report, Roberto De Zerbi, who is currently out of work after leaving Marseille by mutual consent in February, is believed to be “open” to the Tottenham role, however, on one major condition.

The Italian tactician’s interest is contingent on the club maintaining its Premier League status.

While De Zerbi is likely to be a contender for high-profile vacancies at Manchester United or Liverpool (should the Reds sack Arne Slot), he is reportedly intrigued by the project at Spurs.

The club is determined to appoint a manager with significant experience in European competition to navigate a high-pressure rebuild, even though European football will not be on the calendar next season.

Mauricio Pochettino also keen on dream reunion

While De Zerbi’s interest depends on survival, the shadow of Mauricio Pochettino continues to loom large over the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Argentine remains a frontrunner for the post and is reportedly open to a ‘dream return’ to his former club.

Reports suggest that he is among the top candidates to take the permanent role this summer, regardless of which division the club finds itself in.

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