Manchester City win EFL Cup
Arsenal 0 - 2 Manchester City
Manchester City brought an emphatic end to Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic quadruple with a deserved Carabao Cup final victory.
Authors | Macca and DJ
Stadium | Wembley
Nico O’Reilly struck twice in the space of four second-half minutes as Pep Guardiola’s side asserted their authority over the Premier League leaders with a performance of real control and incision.
It proved a bruising afternoon for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, whose decision to persist with Kepa Arrizabalaga in this competition, ahead of first-choice David Raya, unravelled at a crucial moment.
Kepa presented City with the opening goal just past the hour, spilling what should have been a routine cross from Rayan Cherki and allowing O’Reilly to capitalise with a stooping header.
O’Reilly added a second soon after, arriving unmarked at the far post to meet Matheus Nunes’ delivery with another firm header, prompting Guardiola to charge down the touchline in celebration.
The victory ensures Guardiola becomes the first manager to claim the EFL Cup on five occasions, while Arsenal must continue their wait for silverware, their last triumph remaining the FA Cup success of 2020.