Manchester City lifted the League Cup with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, as Nico O’Reilly struck twice to secure the win.
The decisive moment came when Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga misjudged a cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing O’Reilly to open the scoring shortly after the hour mark. Just four minutes later, O’Reilly doubled the lead with a clinical header from a Matheus Nunes cross, giving City their ninth League Cup and manager Pep Guardiola a record fifth triumph in the competition.
Kepa, who has a troubled history in League Cup finals, was selected over first-choice David Raya by Mikel Arteta. His costly mistake mirrored past blunders in 2019 with Chelsea and in 2022 against Liverpool, contributing to Arsenal’s first silverware drought since the 2020 FA Cup.
City goalkeeper James Trafford impressed with a sensational triple save early on, denying opportunities from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, helping maintain a clean sheet.
Arsenal struggled to create chances after the initial bursts, while City grew into the game in the second half, applying relentless pressure that exposed defensive frailties. O’Reilly’s goals came from well-orchestrated City build-ups, demonstrating the side’s clinical efficiency.
Guardiola celebrated wildly after the final whistle, marking his 15th major trophy with Manchester City and signaling his undiminished passion despite ongoing speculation about his future at the club.
The win provides City with momentum as they aim to close the nine-point gap on Premier League leaders Barcelona, while Arsenal refocuses on their remaining domestic and European campaigns, including the FA Cup quarter-finals and Champions League ties.
