Manchester City defender Marc Guehi spoke about how the team are feeling ahead of their Premier League match with Arsenal

Marc Guehi knows a bit about arriving at the right time. The Chelsea academy graduate has built his reputation as a classy defender at Premier League and international level by making sure he is always on the scene to shut out attackers.

And he walked into the Etihad at the exact moment where Pep Guardiola needing him most, immediately settling a team that had lost Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to significant injuries and seen recalled youngster Max Alleyne hit the buffers. Guehi was colossal in a pivotal 2-1 comeback win at Anfield shortly after joining and has formed an excellent partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov that has seen clean sheets against Liverpool and Chelsea in the last two games.

Guehi was unable to play in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal owing to competition rules, but the January signings of him and Antoine Semenyo have undoubtedly been critical in pushing Guardiola’s side into a position where they could yet add two more trophies this season. Beat Arsenal in a title decider next Sunday at the Etihad and the Blues will be three points off top spot with a game in hand and all of the momentum.

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They took advantage of Arsenal’s home defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend by winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Guehi turning finisher to score an excellent second goal in a performance that added to the feeling that City are building. The former Palace defender says the whole group have benefitted from their Wembley triumph last month, but also that the experience of City’s most decorated players is infectious for the squad as they look to hit their peak.

“In these moments it’s about stepping up, the players stepping up, the team stepping up and I said it last week, it’s about arriving at the right moment. A lot of us did that and there were good performances from the whole team,” he said.

“Since I’ve come here, it’s been great. Every moment I’ve been here has been a blessing because I’m so grateful to learn off so many good players, so many winners and it’s important to take each game and each day as it comes.

“I think the trophy definitely gave us a lot of confidence. It doesn’t mater what trophy it is, it’s a trophy and it helps the football club so everyone is just focused on the next day, the next game and just try and be consistent as possible. I just want to play every game, it doesn’t matter when, where or what type of game. I’m just glad to be at this football club and to be given the opportunity to do so.”

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LONDON — Awaiting a corner from the left hand side, Manchester City might just have done what every player in the Premier League has learned from experience is the optimal approach for winning in 2026. Get the ball into the great mass of bodies around the six-yard box and see what happens. For most teams, it is just the shrewdest way to use that possession.

Most teams, though, are not blessed with Rayan Cherki. And so it was that the season of the set piece found a little room for some true No. 10 play of old. Rather than lobbed into the mixer, the ball went short, a give-and-go with Jeremy Doku that allowed Cherki to drive along the edge of the box. Jorrel Hato could lay a glove on his man, but not enough to slow Cherki’s progress. Estevao bought the shimmy as Abdoukodir Khusanov wisely concluded that it was best to give his teammate a clear runway.

Even after that, there was still an awful lot to do. Two blue shirts converged on Cherki but they left the slightest of gaps. The flick of the left boot was so diffident that Malo Gusto did not seem to compute what had happened until the ball was at the feet of Marc Guehi. City’s center back delivered the striker’s finish that the assist deserved.

This game might have ended as a procession, Jeremy Doku adding a third after Cherki had put it on a plate for Nico O’Reilly and Guehi, but it is worth considering how tight this contest was with 45 minutes played. Five shots to five, City were seeing the bulk of the ball without applying overwhelming pressure. Doku’s purposeful drives into the box were a threat, just as the speed of Chelsea’s counters were. As Guardiola told his team at halftime, someone needed to step up. This was a game in need of breaking open. 

In the 2025-26, Premier League that usually means a set piece, a big cross onto a big bonce. And in a fashion, that is what changed this game for City. It’s just that Cherki didn’t have to wait for a dead ball. That has been the story of his season so far. A 22-year-old, in his first season in England, has found himself in a league that might be the most athletic and physical it has been in a generation. It seems uniquely well designed to brutalize even the most talented of young ingenues. And yet there can be no disputing that Cherki trails only Bruno Fernandes as the outstanding creative force of the season.

From open play, there’s a case to be made that he is in a class of his own. All 10 of his Premier League assists have been adjudged by Opta to have come when the ball is live — his second today breaking from a set piece when he dribbled by his first opponent — as opposed to half of Fernandes’ 16. His 0.46 expected assists per 90 leads the Premier League by a margin of well over 33%, and the overwhelming majority of it comes from open play. His 0.41 was a tally bettered only twice in the previous five seasons. Naturally, that was by Kevin De Bruyne.

It feels faintly sacrilegious to suggest that City might have found the heir to one of the greatest playmakers the English game has ever seen. Keep this up, though and someone is going to be hammering 95 theses against the walls of Manchester Cathedral.

“The numbers, incredible,” said Guardiola. “And the quality in the first season in the Premier League is something unique.”

Having, in Guardiola’s view, spent too much of the first half too close to Gianluigi Donnarumma, he got into the positions where he could best exert himself on this contest.

“Play close to Haaland and the wingers, attacking midfielders, use the talent that Mum and Dad gave you,” was Guardiola’s message to Cherki. “If he starts to do that he will become an extraordinary player because of his mindset and mentality… He has to learn to do what you have to do for 95 minutes.

“Rayan has something special. The second goal, the pass for Marc Guehi, not even myself being outside, could see it. He’s a top, top, top talent.”

One who delivered the moment that the arc of the season bent towards Manchester City? It is too early to say. Even after Arsenal’s loss on Saturday, this team could still win every game left and miss out on goal difference. The bookmakers and prediction models will still tell you that it is the Gunners who should be counted as favorites. Even as they crawl to the finish line, they have a defense that is conceding less than a goal per Premier League game in 2026. Their fixture list after next week’s clash at the Etihad is more favorable too.

What they don’t have, though, is Cherki, the sort of talent who can break a game open with a pass no one else can see. Or if they do, those players have seen the pitch too rarely of late. “Are you watching Arsenal,” came the cry from the away end at Stamford Bridge. Those that were would be entitled to have that sinking feeling.

He might be a newcomer to the Etihad Stadium but Cherki already has that feel of a true City player, one who shrugs the scale of the moment off with utter indifference. “I don’t feel pressure,” he said after ladelling so much of it on Arsenal for their visit next week. 

Cherki may not feel pressure but he creates it. At a time where the league seems to have zigged towards athleticism, size and set piece prowess, the most dangerous attacking force in the division might be an undersized, underpowered presser who can conjure something from nothing.

Rueben Bain Jr., a top-10 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, was driving in a previously unreported March 2024 crash in which one of his passengers was hospitalized and pronounced dead three months later, according to a crash report and court records obtained by OutKick. 

The standout Miami edge rusher was cited at the scene by the Florida Highway Patrol for operating a motor vehicle in a “careless or negligent manner.” The charge was later dismissed because of a “defective citation,” after Bain Jr. entered a not guilty plea, according to court records. 

The crash report indicates that Bain Jr. did not show any impairment, and was not suspected of alcohol or drug use and that no tests were given at the time.

Rueben Bain Jr. was driving in a previously unreported March 2024 crash in which one of his passengers was hospitalized and pronounced dead three months later, according to a crash report and court records obtained by OutKick.  ( CFP/Getty Images)

Three NFL teams told OutKick’s Armando Salguero over the weekend that they are aware of the crash, but no team would comment to what extent the incident would affect the first-team All-American defensive end’s status for the April 23-25 NFL Draft. 

The news of the first crash was first reported by Oliver Connolly.

OutKick has reached out to Bain Jr., the University of Miami and the Florida State Attorney’s office, but has yet to receive comment from  either. 

Rueben Bain Jr of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (ustin Casterline/Getty Images)

The incident occurred March 17, 2024, when Bain Jr. was driving on South Florida’s Interstate 95 shortly after 4 a.m. and he hit another vehicle from behind. That collision sent Bain Jr.’s vehicle — a 2021 Land Rover registered to a corporation named Miami Sports 27 — into the concrete wall on the east side of the highway, and then careening all the way across the entire multi-lane highway and into the west side concrete wall, according to the crash report. 

Miami Sports 27 is a non-profit company owned by Eric Dounn, an agent, who also works with LAA Management, that also has ties to a memorabilia store on Ebay.

To read the full crash report, click the link. 

The Florida Highway Patrol was dispatched at 4:17 a.m. and once a trooper arrived at the scene, he found 22-year-old Destiny Betts, who was riding in a passenger seat without a seat belt, incapacitated, per the crash report. Betts was transported to Ryder Trauma Center by the Miami-Dade Fire Department. 

According to a GoFundMe setup by a family member, Betts lost consciousness as a result of the crash. A note on the crash report indicated that Betts was pronounced dead three months later, on June 13, 2024, by a Northshore Hospice nurse. 

The report does not specify an official cause of death.

OutKick has reached out to the family attorney of Destiny Betts and received the following statement, which indicates they are not open to answering questions around the circumstances of the wreck and what happened in it’s aftermath. 

“As her family, we remain deeply committed to honoring her memory in a meaningful and appropriate way. Destiny’s passing was the result of a tragic accident that occurred several years ago. While the loss remains incredibly painful for our family, we have worked hard to find peace and move forward. At this time, we are not seeking public attention surrounding this tragedy and respectfully request that our family’s privacy be honored. We also wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career. Thank you for respecting our wishes during this difficult matter.”

Miami Hurricanes football players Nyjalik Kelly and Wesley Bissainthe and one other female passenger named LaDreama Roberts were also occupants in the vehicle at the time of the crash. All three were listed as having possible injuries, but only the female passenger was taken to a hospital, according to the FHP report.

OutKick reached out to all three, but has not received a response as of publication.

Both Bissainthe and Kelly, who finished his college career at UCF, are also eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft, although neither is expected to be drafted nearly as high as Bain. 

In addition to the crash in March 2024, court records show that Bain Jr. was issued a citation on Oct. 10, 2025, driving a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck, in which he was again cited for careless driving. The citation, shown below, lists a violation of Florida statute 316.1925(1), which is careless driving. 

OutKick has inquired about who the owner of the Tesla was, but has not yet received that information.

Records state there was an “accident indicator” that came with the charge, meaning he was involved in a crash, which the citation states. That case was dismissed in February of this year, also because of a “defective citation.”

Rueben Bain Jr. (4) of the Miami Hurricanes participates in the 2026 Miami Pro Day at Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility on March 23, 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.  (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Bain would go on to finish the season with Miami as one of the best defensive players in college football, helping lead the Hurricanes’ to the CFP title game, where they lost to Indiana. 

The NFL Draft is in Pittsburgh next week. 

OutKick has reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol for comment on what led to the citations being dismissed. OutKick has also contacted the University of Miami for comment on whether it was aware of either incident. Neither has responded as of publication of this article.

AAMI Park will play host to Saturday’s
Round 6 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and
New Zealand Warriors. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs.
New Zealand Warriors
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday April 11, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: AAMI Park

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors Odds

Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors Preview

Melbourne finds itself in unfamiliar territory, looking to avoid a fourth straight loss after a heavy defeat to Penrith. Historically, the Storm has dominated this matchup, winning 17 consecutive meetings against the Warriors — a record that looms large. New Zealand is also battling inconsistency, dropping consecutive games after a strong start. With key players returning, Melbourne will view this as the ideal opportunity to reset. Given their remarkable record in this fixture, the Storm should be strongly favoured to bounce back.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was never scheduled to be at the team’s pre-draft press conference on Monday, a team spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital on Sunday.

Vrabel’s absence coincided with the scrutiny he’s received after he appeared in photos published in Page Six last week showing him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini being questionably close together.

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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters at the NFL annual meetings in Phoenix on March 31, 2026. (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

However, the Patriots issued a notice to reporters in March that Vrabel wouldn’t be at the pre-draft press conference. ESPN reported that Vrabel isn’t expected to talk to reporters until the draft. Patriots executive Eliot Wolf will hold the pre-draft news conference at 2 p.m. ET on Monday.

The NFL is more than a week away from welcoming in the next crop of college football talent into the league. The Patriots have the No. 31 pick in the first round, which begins on April 23.

While The Athletic initially defended Russini, sources familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that the journalist was being investigated.

“After Page Six reached out to Dianna for comment on Tuesday, The Athletic immediately began an investigation. While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for Steven and leadership at The Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends,” a source said.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 31, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DEFENDS MIKE VRABEL, NEW YORK TIMES REPORTER OVER LEAKED PHOTOS

“New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed. The investigation is ongoing.”

The source added Russini’s coverage is being reviewed, which is expected to take time, and she will not be reporting for the outlet in the meantime.

The New York Times declined to comment.

The photos showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands and hugging on the roof of the Sedona resort.

Vrabel defended himself in a statement to Page Six.

Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

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“These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response,” he said.

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

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Adelaide Oval will play host to Sunday’s
Round 5 AFL game between Port Adelaide Power and
St Kilda Saints. The game kicks off at 7:15 pm with St Kilda Saints heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Port Adelaide Power vs.
St Kilda Saints
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday April 12, 2026 at 7:15 pm

Where: Adelaide Oval

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Port Adelaide Power vs St Kilda Saints Odds

Port Adelaide Power vs St Kilda Saints Preview

Port Adelaide carries confidence into this clash after a strong win over Richmond, particularly with a dominant third quarter showcasing their attacking potential. St Kilda, fresh from the bye, remains a work in progress, with issues around pressure and scoring efficiency lingering. While the Saints may have the talent to match Port, their inability to consistently finish games remains a concern. Recent history between these sides points to low-scoring encounters, and with both teams still searching for fluency in attack, another tight, defensive battle is expected.

Rory McIlroy further etched his name into Masters lore.

The Northern Irishman became just the fourth golfer in history to win back-to-back green jackets, finishing at 12-under par at historic Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods was the last to accomplish the rare feat, when he was repeat winner in 2001 and 2002.

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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates winning the 2026 Masters Tournament on the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.  (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

With multiple contenders in the mix, the margin for error was slim Sunday at Augusta National. Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler finished just one shot behind McIlroy at 11-under. Meanwhile, Justin Rose, last year’s Masters runner-up, finished in a tie for third.

For a brief moment, Rose held a two-shot lead in the final round at Augusta National, until a series of mistakes through Amen Corner and a couple of birdies by the defending champion over the same stretch dealt him another dose of disappointment.

“Just a chance that got away,” Rose, who McIlroy outlasted in a playoff last year, lamented afterward.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates holing the winning putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Despite a dismal round Saturday and a slow start Sunday, McIlroy bounced back in Sunday’s final round to fend off the competition.

McIlroy held a Masters-record six-shot lead after 36 holes, but an early stumble Sunday dropped him into a tie for fourth before he regained control and powered his way to consecutive titles.

Over the years, when the Masters opened the major championship season, McIlroy fended off questions about whether he could complete the elusive career Grand Slam. But last year’s sudden-death playoff victory over Justin Rose at Augusta National silenced those doubts.

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“I just can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and then I get two in a row,” McIlroy said before Masters chairman Fred Ridley put the green jacket on him.

McIlroy now joins a short list that includes Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo.

McIlroy teared up while speaking about his parents, Gerry and Rosie, who traveled to Georgia to witness his second Masters title.

Last year, they stayed home in Northern Ireland for their son’s first Masters victory. “I had to convince them to come because they thought the reason I won (last year) was because they weren’t here,” McIlroy joked.

Rory McIlroy (R) of Northern Ireland celebrates with his father Gerry (L) during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

He added, “You’re the most wonderful parents, and if I can be half the parent to (daughter) Poppy, I know I have done a good job.”

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During his return to Washington from Florida on Sunday evening, President Donald Trump congratulated McIlroy in a post on Truth Social, writing, “Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters!”

Trump added that McIlroy “performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing.”

McIlroy’s first place finish earned him $4.5 million from the $22.5 million purse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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