Manchester City won the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2021 after a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley, with left-back Nico O’Reilly scoring a brace of headers. The 21-year-old’s first goal came from a Kepa Arrizabalaga error, as the Arsenal goalkeeper fumbled a cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing O’Reilly to head in. The second was a well-taken set-piece goal that sealed the win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arsenal, who had been unbeaten in their previous six meetings with City, failed to register a shot on target after an early chance for Kai Havertz was saved by James Trafford. The Gunners struggled to create opportunities and were dominated in possession, with City controlling the game from the first half onwards. Mikel Arteta’s side were without the injured Eberechi Eze, but their performance was widely criticised as lacklustre and lacking creativity.
The defeat raises questions about Arsenal’s ability to sustain their Premier League title challenge, with City now nine points behind but holding a game in hand. The two sides meet again at the Etihad on 19 April, a match that could prove decisive in the title race. Guardiola’s team showed all their experience and composure, while Arsenal wilted under pressure, failing to mount a serious threat.
This was only Arteta’s second cup final as a manager, and his first major final since the 2020 FA Cup victory. The result will intensify scrutiny on Arsenal’s trophy-winning credentials, especially after their quadruple hopes were ended. City, meanwhile, celebrated their 16th major trophy under Guardiola, reaffirming their status as a dominant force in English football.
