Rayan Cherki critics should focus on the bigger picture after causing Arsenal meltdown

• Sport
• Football
• Manchester City FC

Manchester City were too good for Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, with last summer's bargain buy producing a statement performance despite one moment that left Pep Guardiola unimpressed

Rayan Cherki sent an entire fan base into meltdown after choosing to express himself on the Wembley pitch. Pep Guardiola wasn't too impressed, either.

He could be seen stood there shaking his head, while Cherki took it upon himself to do a few keep ups to waste time. And mock Arsenal in the process, no doubt. It was too much for Ben White to take, and he flattened him with a crude challenge to earn himself a booking.

Footballers don't like being disrespected. Which is ironic, considering countless footballers struggle to respect themselves with some of their behaviour. Like feigning injuries, conning match officials, wasting time and celebrating goals like big kids. Or staging a huddle around a referee on the centre spot - then going on to lose the game. Cheapening themselves in front of millions.

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Arsenal had lost this match by the time Cherki turned cheeky. He knew it and took his chance to showboat. And how this game had needed a moment of skill to light it up.

Because most of the Carabao Cup final felt like a meeting between two sets of robots. Wired up to do as they're told - and not break from their managers' instructions. Games are studied down to the finest details in this modern age.

But sport is about entertainment. Individual flair, brilliance, creativity and personality.

Instead of focusing on Cherki's antics on the touchline, we should be applauding his overall contribution to helping City win yet another trophy.

Nico O'Reilly stole the headlines, but Cherki was sensational from start to finish. His cross led to the opening goal, albeit with a little help from Kepa Arrizabalaga. He terrorised Arsenal with his sublime control and vision.

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Cherki is having more and more of an influence on Guardiola's team this season. He has been one of their most impressive and consistent performers.

He joined City at the same time as Florian Wirtz did Liverpool. He cost £32m, while Wirtz cost £120m. And the difference in what these two have contributed to their respective teams, is even greater than the one which exists between their respective fees.

Critics shouldn't be focusing on a spot of ball juggling. Look at the bigger picture instead. Because Cherki is adding some genuine beauty to the canvas Guardiola continues to paint in the blue half of Manchester.

And if City go on to win some more trophies between now and the end of the season, the chances are Cherki will have been heavily instrumental in the success.

Which earns him the right to show off a little bit, whenever he feels like it.