Nico O'Reilly starred with both goals as Manchester City downed Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final to claim the first domestic trophy of the season, although Mikel Arteta’s controversial decision to stick with backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga perhaps proved the most decisive decision at Wembley.
O'Reilly's two goals in four minutes just after the hour mark ensured Pep Guardiola picked up his first piece of silverware since 2024 , following last year's trophyless campaign, and perhaps laid down a marker to their Premier League title rivals ahead of the conclusion to that race.
Much of the pre-match discourse centred around both backup goalkeepers, James Trafford and Kepa, being chosen to start and while Trafford made a critical triple save from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka early on, Kepa was at fault for the City opener when the ball slipped through his hands and O'Reilly stooped to head home.
The young Englishman nodded in his second shortly after, directing Matheus Nunes's pinpoint cross into the far corner, and the Gunners offered little to suggest they would get back into the game after that point as their dreams of an unprecedented quadruple of major trophies came crashing down.
Relive all the action from Arsenal v Man City in the Carabao Cup final:
Arsenal v Man City LIVE: Latest Carabao Cup final updates
- Man City beat Arsenal 2-0 to win Carabao Cup final and claim first trophy since 2024
- REPORT: Man City prove rebuild is complete as calamity Kepa costs Arsenal Carabao Cup
- Mikel Arteta's decision to start backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga branded a 'monumental error' after mistake for first goal
- Arteta defends Kepa decision: 'It was the right thing to do'
- 60' - GOAL! Calamitous error from Kepa allows O'Reilly to nod City ahead from close range (ARS 0-1 MCI)
Man City prove rebuild is complete as calamity Kepa costs Arsenal Carabao Cup
07:21 , Luke BakerPep Guardiola set off down the touchline, unleashing his inner Jose Mourinho on a joyous run into the history books. Given how much else Guardiola has achieved, a fifth League Cup – more than any other manager in the competition’s history – may be a footnote. But a first trophy for his new-look Manchester City side has a significance for Guardiola, offering proof of his ability to renew and revive.
And denying his former assistant Mikel Arteta silverware, and a quadruple, meant this was not the day to prove there has been a changing of the guard. Guardiola is still a serial winner, Arteta a manager accustomed to coming second to his old mentor.
A day when Arsenal paid a price for both their dullness and the lone risk Arteta took – in his choice of goalkeeper – was an occasion when City could celebrate one of their own.
Read Richard Jolly’s full report from Wembley:
Man City prove rebuild is complete as calamity Kepa costs Arsenal Carabao Cup
Mikel Arteta defends ‘fair’ decision to play Kepa Arrizabalaga despite Carabao Cup final blunder
06:00 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta said it would have been “very unfair” to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final as he defended his decision to pick the goalkeeper whose mistake gifted victory to Manchester City.
Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper David Raya was left on the bench as his deputy Arrizabalaga started and spilled Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly to open the scoring in City’s 2-0 win at Wembley.
The Spaniard, a summer signing from Chelsea, has played throughout Arsenal’s Carabao Cup run but defeat means they have still not won a major trophy since 2020, while Raya has the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta defends ‘fair’ decision to play Kepa despite Carabao Cup final blunder
Pundits baffled by Arsenal’s Kepa decision as howler costs Gunners in Carabao Cup final
05:00 , Chris WilsonFormer Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, calling it a “monumental error”.
A mistake from Kepa on the hour mark allowed Nico O’Reilly to sneak in and score the first goal in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal, with the Spaniard spilling a simple catch from a cross to allow O’Reilly to head into an empty net from a yard out.
While an obviously costly error, it also gave City the momentum as they began to dominate, with O’Reilly scoring his second just four minutes later to seal the result.
Pundits baffled by Kepa decision as howler costs Arsenal in Carabao Cup final
Ian Wright claims Carabao Cup defeat has ‘turned up’ the pressure on Arsenal in Premier League title race
04:00 , Chris WilsonFormer Arsenal striker Ian Wright has claimed that the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final has turned up the pressure on the Gunners in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a disappointing defeat at Wembley as they contested the silverware final of the season, with the Gunners’ quadruple bid falling at the first hurdle as Nico O’Reilly scored a brace to secure the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal were bidding for a first major trophy since 2020 but a howler from Kepa Arrizabalaga gifted O’Reilly his first goal, before the City full-back arrived in the box to power a header past Kepa for the second.
Ian Wright claims Carabao Cup defeat has ‘turned up’ the pressure on Arsenal
Nico O’Reilly double sinks Arsenal to give Manchester City Carabao Cup glory
03:00 , Chris WilsonNico O’Reilly scored twice in five stunning second-half minutes to fire Manchester City to victory in the Carabao Cup final and derail Arsenal’s quadruple bid.
Stand-in Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga gifted City their first when he fumbled Rayan Cherki’s cross on the hour mark, with O’Reilly on hand to head home from close range.
A rampant City then doubled their advantage just four minutes later after O’Reilly converted Matheus Nunes’ cross to send Pep Guardiola dancing along the touchline.
Nico O’Reilly double sinks Arsenal to give Manchester City Carabao Cup glory
WATCH: Guardiola reacts to fifth League Cup trophy
02:00 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s what Guardiola had to say on Sky after winning his fifth League Cup:
"This was a special trophy."
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
Pep Guardiola on what winning the 2026 Carabao Cup means to this Manchester City side 👏 pic.twitter.com/WpLrXjegBC
WATCH: Arteta speaks on Kepa decision
01:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arteta had to say on Sky after the match:
"Any regrets about the choice of goalkeeper?"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
"No, I would do it again."
Mikel Arteta defends Kepa Arrizabalaga's mistakes in Arsenal's Carabao Cup final defeat to Man City. pic.twitter.com/PLovrKCFgj
WATCH: City lift the Carabao Cup
00:00 , Chris WilsonBernardo Silva lifts the Carabao Cup for Manchester City! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MgVg5CP8tT
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
WATCH: Highlights as City win Carabao Cup
Sunday 22 March 2026 23:01 , Chris WilsonHere are the highlights of the two goals that won City the Carabao Cup!
O’Reilly snuck in to strike first...
"Kepa's lost it, AND O'REILLY HAS STOLEN!"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
Manchester City take the lead at Wembley! 👊 pic.twitter.com/L9KFaERBmn
...and then arrived to power home the second to seal it just four minutes later!
Nico O'Reilly scores ANOTHER! 😱 pic.twitter.com/AhPZ29VCKP
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
Ian Wright claims Carabao Cup defeat has ‘turned up’ the pressure on Arsenal in Premier League title race
Sunday 22 March 2026 22:00 , Chris WilsonFormer Arsenal striker Ian Wright has claimed that the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final has turned up the pressure on the Gunners in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a disappointing defeat at Wembley as they contested the silverware final of the season, with the Gunners’ quadruple bid falling at the first hurdle as Nico O’Reilly scored a brace to secure the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal were bidding for a first major trophy since 2020 but a howler from Kepa Arrizabalaga gifted O’Reilly his first goal, before the City full-back arrived in the box to power a header past Kepa for the second.
Ian Wright claims Carabao Cup defeat has ‘turned up’ the pressure on Arsenal
Mikel Arteta defends ‘fair’ decision to play Kepa Arrizabalaga despite Carabao Cup final blunder
Sunday 22 March 2026 21:30 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta said it would have been “very unfair” to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final as he defended his decision to pick the goalkeeper whose mistake gifted victory to Manchester City.
Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper David Raya was left on the bench as his deputy Arrizabalaga started and spilled Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly to open the scoring in City’s 2-0 win at Wembley.
The Spaniard, a summer signing from Chelsea, has played throughout Arsenal’s Carabao Cup run but defeat means they have still not won a major trophy since 2020, while Raya has the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta defends ‘fair’ decision to play Kepa despite Carabao Cup final blunder
Pundits baffled by Arsenal’s Kepa decision as howler costs Gunners in Carabao Cup final
Sunday 22 March 2026 21:15 , Chris WilsonFormer Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has criticised Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, calling it a “monumental error”.
A mistake from Kepa on the hour mark allowed Nico O’Reilly to sneak in and score the first goal in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal, with the Spaniard spilling a simple catch from a cross to allow O’Reilly to head into an empty net from a yard out.
While an obviously costly error, it also gave City the momentum as they began to dominate, with O’Reilly scoring his second just four minutes later to seal the result.
Pundits baffled by Kepa decision as howler costs Arsenal in Carabao Cup final
More from Guardiola
Sunday 22 March 2026 21:00 , Chris Wilson"It's really important for the club, not just the young players. Look at the performance of Nathan Ake, James Trafford making an incredible contribution, Max Alleyne playing at Newcastle in the semi-final,” explains Guardiola.
"This competition is one where we need everyone involved. I made one substitution because at 2-0 it's never over, and I felt the team was there.
“Jeremy kept the ball, Antoine as well, Bernardo and Rodri in that way you cannot replace. The team is underneath and there's a smell that can flourish - winning helps to anticipate the process a little bit.
"”You never understand how weak the teams are who think something is done and you go to the bottom,” he adds.
“They came here on an incredible run, we could not beat Nottingham Forest at home, West Ham away, we lost 5-1 on aggregate to Real Madrid.
"Few people [backed us] but the players, the old ones and the new ones proved again that they could do something that we haven't been consistent enough to do against that team, Arsenal.
“Without reaching that level, you have no chance. Today we did, especially without the ball. With the ball, especially in the second half, it was unbelievable. I could not believe it."
Wright: 'People will ask questions'
Sunday 22 March 2026 20:45 , Chris Wilson"For them to come out and play this poorly in a game of this magnitude for Arsenal, people will ask questions,” says Ian Wright on Sky.
“But Arsenal's project is about trying to win that league so this might be the catalyst to make them understand 'we can do this.
“We won't be playing with Kepa in goal, we'll probably have Eze back, we might have Odegaard back' so it's a different team that's going to be out there.
“But the mentality has to be much better than it was today - we can't play for 15 minutes then clock off because we can't break them down,” he added.
Richards: 'It's about what Man City can do moving forward'
Sunday 22 March 2026 20:24 , Chris WilsonHere are the thoughts of Micah Richards at full-time:
“People are talking about a whole new rebuild. It's not a rebuild, it's just about tweaking certain situations. When Man City can control a game, they're perfect. Where they've struggled at times is when in midfield they need more energy.
“Jamie [Redknapp] is right about Cherki. Off the ball he won't give you what others can but on the ball he gives you that bit of impetus to go forward with quality. These players are still young. They have got time to get better. They have fallen short of the standards that we expect of Man City. That's because Arsenal have been so good. But now, it's about what Man City can do moving forward,” he added.
Redknapp: 'This changes the whole complexion of the title race'
Sunday 22 March 2026 20:14 , Chris WilsonJamie Redknapp clearly agrees with Wright.
“When Liverpool lost here against Newcastle last year, there was 12 points in it. That's a massive buffer and the other teams didn't have a game in hand,” he says.
“For Arsenal, the doubts, the negativity, this changes the whole complexion of the title race. I'm not saying it puts Man City completely back in it, but it gives them a massive opportunity when they play in April,” he added.
Wright: 'This team know it's not over'
Sunday 22 March 2026 20:10 , Chris Wilson"It's nine points, but Man City have a game in hand and they've got to play them, so it can go down to three. All of a sudden, the pressure really turns up,” says Ian Wright when speaking about the implications of this result on the title race.
“Make no mistake, this nine points is a tight nine points.
"Arsenal really need to refocus and get themselves back on track for what they want to do. They need to win games now.
"People talk about how they win games 'oh it's set pieces' - it doesn't matter, everyone knows that. We've got a DNA of winning games resiliently.
"They've got to kick into this because this team know it's not over,” added the former Arsenal striker.
Nico O’Reilly double sinks Arsenal to give Manchester City Carabao Cup glory
Sunday 22 March 2026 20:00 , Chris WilsonNico O’Reilly scored twice in five stunning second-half minutes to fire Manchester City to victory in the Carabao Cup final and derail Arsenal’s quadruple bid.
Stand-in Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga gifted City their first when he fumbled Rayan Cherki’s cross on the hour mark, with O’Reilly on hand to head home from close range.
A rampant City then doubled their advantage just four minutes later after O’Reilly converted Matheus Nunes’ cross to send Pep Guardiola dancing along the touchline.
Nico O’Reilly double sinks Arsenal to give Manchester City Carabao Cup glory
More from Guardiola
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:51 , Chris Wilson“We are still not the team that Arsenal are or what we were in the past. We found a way to win titles,” continues Guardiola.
“I'm not suspicious now after winning the Carabao Cup. Underneath I knew we were close. The teams, you don't understand why you are there and out of nothing you are at the bottom. The warnings have to be there. But, for the club and this new generation, it's important.
“It means a lot. It's always difficult to win trophies.
“Alongside Bayern Munich and maybe Barcelona, to face the best team in Europe, they suffocated us for the first 15 minutes but after that we started to win a few more second balls.
“Antoine was really good in the first half, in the second half Jeremie and we found Rodri and Bernardo in the positions we needed.
“We won an incredible victory. The Carabao Cup is not the Premier League or the Champions League but a win against that team makes it a special title,” he added.
Guardiola: 'This was special'
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:47 , Chris Wilson"What can I say? Always, when you win a trophy it's important. But this was special because we've had a tough two weeks and especially because of the opponent,” said Pep Guardiola on Sky.
"The first 15 minutes they suffocated us. We could not breathe. After that, we started to play, especially Jeremy and Rayan. I'm really pleased but Mikel has created a team that is almost unbeatable,” he added.
On his young squad, he continued: “"When you start to win and the players are young you can continue that. I need to know them first. I need to know how they react in certain situations.
"I think we will able to learn from this as a team and hopefully next season we can do better,” he added.
More from Arteta
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:42 , Chris Wilson“I want the players to have some perspective,” continues Arteta.
“What this team has done in the last eight months is incredible, and we're going to use the disappointment and the fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months we ever have had together.
“That's on us, we'll manage that energy in the right way. Now we have to go through that pain and disappointment, that's normal and it's part of football.
"We've played 50 games this season. Every time we have a defeat and a draw, if [spiralling] is the consequence then you're not prepared to play 70 games. because it's something that will happen at some point.
"We haven't allowed it to happen, we have to prove it and do it again, but the good thing is we have a great recent history of how the team has reacted and I'm sure the team will do it again,” he added.
Arteta: 'Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition'
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:38 , Chris Wilson"There were different moments in the game. We had some really good ones in the first half, we had the biggest chance of the game by far and would have been 1-0 up, explained Arteta.
"That would have changed the course of the game. In the second half, we had some issues to get out of the block in the first 20 minutes some issues to get out from that block, to press them better and manage the ball much better than when we did.
"We conceded the goal in an unexpected manner, and three minutes later they scored in similar conditions.
"Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition, they capitalised when they were on top and we didn't,” he added.
Arteta defends Kepa decision
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:35 , Chris Wilson"I understand but I have to do what I think is right which is honest and fair. Kepa is an outstanding keeper, and it would've been very unfair on him to do something different,” said Mikel Arteta when quizzed on his decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga.
"I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, they have to earn it and do enough.
"We are guided by what we see. What he's done in the competition, and how he helped us to get us to the final, I believe it was the right thing to do.
"Errors are part of football, and unfortunately it happened in a crucial moment,” he added.
Ake: 'It's very special'
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:29 , Chris Wilson"It's very special. We didn't win anything last season and I think this is the perfect way to do it this season; against title contenders,” says City defender Nathan Ake.
"We are expected to win things. We expect that from ourselves. Last year was disappointing so this year we wanted to do well. if you are here you want to win it.
"Suddenly you become one of the older ones, it's a bit weird. We have a lot of young, talented players with a lot of mentality. The manager has touched upon it every day. We have had some ups and downs this season but today we showed that everybody has the mentality to do good things.
"It's a massive boost [for the title fight]. After the international break we come back and go again. We are going to give everything,” he added.
Semenyo: 'Hopefully many more to come'
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:24 , Chris Wilson“I'm excited and happy and hopefully many more to come,” said Antoine Semenyo after full-time.
"I was very chilled and relaxed [before the game] - it's just another game for me.
"We had a game plan and if we got that right, we'd win and we did that today. We're all proud and happy."
“I just have that freedom to do what I want, get at defenders and cause problems. That's what I did today.
“I had Hincapie running around a little bit... it's just what I do, it's my job. As soon as he got booked, he was backing off a lot. It gave me the opportunity to drive at him."
“It feels like a fairy tale to be honest. But I've got a lot more to show.
“I want to play out wide, I want to play as a No9, I want to show how versatile I am and the help the team as much as I can. I'm enjoying my football and it can only get better.
"For me, it's so personal, I've never won a trophy before. Give God all the glory,” he added.
Man City prove rebuild is complete as calamity Kepa costs Arsenal Carabao Cup
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:20 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola set off down the touchline, unleashing his inner Jose Mourinho on a joyous run into the history books. Given how much else Guardiola has achieved, a fifth League Cup – more than any other manager in the competition’s history – may be a footnote. But a first trophy for his new-look Manchester City side has a significance for Guardiola, offering proof of his ability to renew and revive.
And denying his former assistant Mikel Arteta silverware, and a quadruple, meant this was not the day to prove there has been a changing of the guard. Guardiola is still a serial winner, Arteta a manager accustomed to coming second to his old mentor. A day when Arsenal paid a price for both their dullness and the lone risk Arteta took – in his choice of goalkeeper – was an occasion when City could celebrate one of their own.
Man City prove rebuild is complete as calamity Kepa costs Arsenal Carabao Cup
Silva: 'It was a very good performance'
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:16 , Chris WilsonBernardo Silva has also spoken to Sky Sports, and here’s what the City captain had to say:
"The first 15 minutes felt difficult, they were able to create a big chance where James Trafford was amazing for us. Second half we tried to go for them a bit more. We felt they lost a bit of energy and when we felt that we had to go even more for them. Nico O'Reilly is really good at arriving in the box in those moments. We were lucky to score the first one and when we are on top we can find the spaces.
“In a final you know both teams are going to have momentum. Arsenal's was the first 10 or 15 minutes. In those moments you fight together to make it as short as possible. We have the firepower to go for them as well.
“I try to help the team as much as possible. I now how the manager wants to play and I always try my best. Beating this team is not easy, they are a fantastic side.
“With the players we had today, our job was to give as much stability as possible to the team. We wanted to stay stable, stay compact, not make stupid mistakes. Overall it was a very good performance."
On new players winning a first trophy, he adds: "To get the first trophy releases a bit of pressure. It also makes you feel well and you want to repeat that feeling."
Redknapp questions decision to start Kepa
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:11 , Chris Wilson"I know people will say it's sentiment and he played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya. That's why he is the number two,” says Jamie Redknapp as he questions Arteta’s decision to start Kepa.
"So why, in a major cup final when you're trying to get across the line and you've not won a trophy in so long, do you decide to play him? You have to take responsibility for that. That is a monumental error.
"He's not a bad goalkeeper - he's not as good as Raya. It has backfired big time.
"You could say Trafford isn't the number one either but he made three really good saves and after that, hardly had to touch the ball. It was easy for him.
"It's not me being wise after the event, I said it before the game,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:06 , Chris Wilson
Trafford reacts
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:02 , Chris Wilson“They are obviously big saves in a final, they were quite early on and I cannot really remember them as it was so quick and I am just here to play my part,” said James Trafford at full-time.
"This moment means a lot to me, four or five years ago I was fourth choice when they beat Spurs and I always imagined that I would win it one day, so it is an incredibly good feeling with all my family and friends are all here - it is a long way from northwest Cumbria!” he added.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:57 , Chris Wilson
Redknapp: City 'by far the better team'
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:53 , Chris Wilson“Kai Havertz had a chance very early in the game. Apart from that, City were dominant. They had a moment when they started to struggle, but once they got through that, they got a hold of the game,” says Jamie Redknapp on Sky.
"Semenyo was causing problems in wide areas. Cherki was a constant menace, he has so much flair and seems to love playing at Wembley.
"City were by far the better team. Arsenal didn't have an answer. They missed Odegaard, no Eze, they had no real cohesion, no pace up front. I was amazed Martinelli didn't come on earlier,” he added.
Wright: 'We've got to front up'
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:48 , Chris Wilson"Man City went into a 4-2-4, they pressed us high, we knocked it long, we couldn't hold it,” explains a disappointed Ian Wright on Sky.
"We didn't have any midfielders - Zubimendi's numbers will be interesting to see, I don't think he held onto the ball.
"We couldn't get on it [the ball] to get our team playing, we couldn't get out.
"It all just fell in ourselves. The goalkeeper's mistake handed it to them a bit.
"It's a very disappointing one. We've got to front up and say 'OK, we'll go again', but it was a poor performance for me,” he added.
MAN CITY LIFT CARABAO CUP
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:44 , Chris Wilson
MAN CITY LIFT CARABAO CUP
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:42 , Chris WilsonCity players lift the Carabao Cup trophy as their Arsenal counterparts look on from the pitch!
Pep Guardiola looks pensive as he watches his players celebrate with the trophy.
'Outstanding moment for O'Reilly'
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:38 , Chris WilsonFormer City defender Micah Richards says that it is “an outstanding moment for O'Reilly” after the youngster’s two goals.
“He started off in midfield, [so] to be able to adapt to left-back it's so good to see.
"In that second half I thought Man City were brilliant. They started to build momentum at the end of the first half and carried it into the second. Arsenal didn't know what to do.
"When I watched Man City against Real Madrid with 10 men, I did start to believe they had this sort of performance in them. That experience definitely showed today,” he added.
O'Reilly: 'An unbelievable feeling'
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:34 , Chris WilsonMatchwinner Nico O’Reilly says it’s an “unbelievable feeling to win a final and beat this team”.
“We know how good they are. Now we need to build on it, it will give us good momentum. I'm buzzing with today.
"A bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. A really good feeling, a great birthday weekend,” he explains.
“My whole family came down today. They are all in the stand and I know they will be buzzing. I can't wait to celebrate with them."
When asked how he developed his eye for goal he says: “Since I was a kid, I was playing in midfield and arriving in the box, scoring goals. To bring it to the highest level, it's good for me, adds to my game and it's a great feeling."
'Guardiola makes history but poor from Arsenal'
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:31 , Richard Jolly at WembleySome final thoughts from Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Wembley.
“After a dull first half, what a second for City, for Nico O'Reilly and for Guardiola, who becomes the first manager to win this competition five times.
“Rayan Cherki was outstanding in the second half and City's defence, lacking Dias, Guehi and Gvardiol, stood tall. But that was poor from Arsenal, who created far too little.”
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:27 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:24 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the game to an end and Manchester City have won the 2026 Carabao Cup!
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:24 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
It just hasn’t happened for Arsenal, evidenced again as Madueke beats his man in the box before cutting it back to a sky blue shirt.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:21 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of four minutes of added time at Wembley. City are on their way to a fifth League Cup under Guardiola!
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:20 , Chris Wilson89 mins
A chance for Doku as space opens up on the edge of the box, but he drags his effort wide.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:19 , Chris Wilson87 mins
OFF THE BAR! The cross is clipped in from the right and Gabriel heads it goalwards. It looks like it might be sailing into the far corner but it comes off the tiop of the bar!
There's a brief VAR check as Gyokeres goes to ground trying to get to the rebound, but it’s waved away.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:16 , Chris Wilson85 mins
It looks like Arsenal have run out of steam at the moment. They still have some time but they need to get a goal very quickly. Some fans are heading for the exits already.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:12 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Subs for Arsenal now as Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli come on for White and Trossard.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:11 , Chris Wilson80 mins
City are just happy to keep possession now, with Cherki holding the ball up rather than trying to start an attack.
Arsenal are chasing shadows at the moment.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:09 , Chris Wilson77 mins
OFF THE POST! Arsenal are so close to getting back in it.
The cross comes in from the right and Trossard manages to head it across to Calafiori. It sits up nicely for him and he fizzes a great volley that comes back off the base of the post!
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:06 , Chris Wilson75 mins
The Gunners are knocking it around more confidently now but they aren’t finding any openings in the City defence, and time is running out.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:03 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Arsenal have just started to threaten a bit more in possession, and Madueke does well to win a free-kick near the box.
Rice delivers and it’s a good ball in, though the header is straight at Trafford.
'A remarkable rise for Nico O'Reilly'
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:03 , Richard Jolly at WembleyRichard Jolly on man of the moment Nico O’Reilly.
“This has been a remarkable rise for Nico O'Reilly and, just when it seems that logically it cannot carry on, it does. A cup final double - and as things stand, a winner's medal too”
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:01 , Luke BakerWhat a few minutes for Man City and Nico O’Reilly
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:00 , Chris Wilson68 mins
A yellow card for Ben White now as he scythes down Cherki after the Frenchman had been showboating.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:58 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Subs for Arsenal now, with Calafiori and Madueke come on for Havertz and Hincapie.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:56 , Chris Wilson64 mins
GOAL! O’Reilly has a second!
It’s a lovely goal too, Nunes darting clear on the right after a clever reverse pass.
He has time to look up and picks out a great clipped cross, and O’Reilly arrives to power a brilliant header past Kepa!
Arsenal 0-1 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:54 , Chris Wilson62 mins
It really felt like the goal was coming for City, though they won’t believe how easily it came in the end.
Guardiola’s side had begun to diminate this game and now Arsenal have all the work to do!
Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori are warming up.
'Arteta may be regretting not picking Raya'
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:53 , Richard Jolly at WembleyRichard Jolly on the goal.
“Another League Cup final Kepa calamity against City... Arteta may be regretting not picking David Raya.”
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:52 , Chris Wilson60 mins
GOAL! Nico O’Reilly opens the scoring courtesy of a howler from Kepa!
It’s so simple too. The cross comes in from the right and it’s a little above the Arsenal ‘keeper’s head, but rather than catch it it spills through his hands!
It bounces towards the far post and O’Reilly is there to nip in front of Zubimendi and head in!
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:50 , Chris Wilson58 mins
City are certainly on top now. A gap opens up on the counter and Nunes slides in a perfect through ball for Haaland, who is now 1-v-1 with Saliba.
The City striker tries to turn him inside out to make space for a shot, but Saliba does well to nip in and divert it away.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:48 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Almost a chance for Cherki too, the Frenchman controlling it well in the area before his volley is blocked.
'City's best spell but Arsenal defensively flawless'
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:48 , Luke BakerRichard Jolly with his latest from Wembley Stadium.
“This has been City's best spell of the match and yet it has not produced a proper chance.
“The only mistake Arsenal have made defensively came from Kepa Arrizabalaga, which brought his booking for tugging back Jeremy Doku. Otherwise, they have been flawless.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:46 , Chris Wilson53 mins
City have started the second half as the better of the two sides, and once again they’ve managed to sustain pressure early on.
Silva is at the forefront of things this time round, skipping past a few challenges before laying it to Doku, who sees his cross headed away.
City collect the ball from the clearance and Rodri lines up and effort from distance, but it’s blocked by a flying challenge.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:42 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Bizarre stuff from Kepa as he comes off his line to clear the long ball forward but opts to let it bounce and then loses out to Doku!
The pair tussle and it ends with City winning a free-kick right on the edge of the area on the left wing, and Kepa is booked for his efforts.
Nothing comes of the free-kick though, Semenyo firing wide past the far post.
'The second half has to be better...'
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:40 , Richard Jolly at WembleyMore from Richard Jolly at Wembley.
“The good news is the second half has to be better. Surely, anyway... So far, this is not going down as one of the great League Cup finals. Or even one of the half-decent ones.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:39 , Chris Wilson48 mins
A couple of openings for City! The first ends with a fairly poor cross to the back post but the second almost sees Haaland lash an effort from close range, but he can’t get clean contact on it under pressure from Gabriel.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:36 , Chris WilsonBack underway in the second half of the Carabao Cup final!
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:34 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are back out onto the pitch so we’ll be underway with the second half soon.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:28 , Chris WilsonIt’s finely balanced at Wembley after a cagey first half. There were chances at both ends – and Arsenal should really be ahead from that Havertz chance – but it wasn’t the most entertaining 45 minutes for the neutral.
Much of it has gone how you’d expect, with neither side wanting to commit too many men forward at this stage. The defences have certainly come out on top so far, but it can all ignite in a second when there’s this much quality on the pitch!
Plenty to ponder for both managers, and we could well see changes soon.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:24 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:19 , Chris WilsonJust the one minute of added time in what has been an uneventful first half.
Peter Bankes brings it to an end and we’re all-square in a compelling Carabao Cup final!
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:17 , Chris Wilson44 mins
There’s a chance! Semenyo skips past a couple of challenges and clips a great ball to the back post.
Haaland is under pressure as he looks to head in, and Gabriel just about does enough to put him off as the Norwegian heads over.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:15 , Chris Wilson42 mins
It’s City ending the half on top here, with their best spell of the game so far. No clear-cut openings but they’re sustaining attacks well.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:12 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Another period of extended possession for City, before Semenyo fires a cross out for a goal kick.
Both sides are missing that little bit of quality in the final third.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:09 , Chris Wilson36 mins
A bit of a lull in activity as City keep the ball for an extended period but without threatening.
At the other end, Arsenal win a corner and it’s a decent delivery to find Hincapie unmarked, but the Ecuadorian heads over.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:06 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Great defending from Ake, who recovers well to nip in in front of Gyokeres and prevent the Arsenal man going clean through.
'History (of sorts) for Khusanov...
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:06 , Richard Jolly at WembleyA deadpan nugget from the incomparable Richard Jolly at Wembley.
“Abdukodir Khusanov becomes the first Uzbekistani to be booked in a Carabao Cup final. And perhaps the last, too...”
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:04 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Another yellow card, as Khusanov clatters into the back of Gyokeres. It’s also another free-kick in a dangerous position, this one on the right wing.
Rice’s delivery is better but Nunes heads clear.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:01 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Semenyo gets away from Hincapie on the right wing and he bursts into the box before seeing his cross turned behind.
Silva delivers the corner but it’s headed away for now.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:59 , Chris Wilson26 mins
There’s briefly an opening for City as Haaland touches it down to Semenyo in the area, but he doesn’t have the space to get the shot away.
'Guardiola's risky formation'
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:57 , Luke BakerMore from Richard Jolly at Wembley
“Barely an attack from City in the first 20 minutes, though Guardiola has picked quite an attacking line-up. Out of possession, they can be in a 4-2-4 formation, which looks a bit risky - and certainly proved so in the Bernabeu”
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:56 , Chris Wilson23 mins
City have wrestled back some control now and both sides have settled in nicely. There have been a couple of scuffles between players too, Zubimendi and Doku the latest to go at it.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:52 , Chris Wilson20 mins
CHANCE! City have their first foray into the Arsenal box and it almost ends in a goal as Semenyo fizzes a ball across and Haaland is inches away from getting his head to it.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:51 , Chris Wilson18 mins
All Arsenal at the moment but City’s defence is holding firm. Saka does well to keep the ball on the edge of the box and the Gunners work it wide, but Gabriel’s cross is cleared easily enough.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:48 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Heart-in-mouth moment for Arsenal as Hincapie catches Nunes, but the replays show it isn’t too bad. The Arsenal man is given a yellow card though.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:45 , Chris Wilson12 mins
The free-kick falls to Trossard and he gets great contact as he tries to blast an effort from outside of the box, but it deflects out for a corner.
Saka’s ball in is a poor one, but Rice now has a chance to deliver a long throw. This one is no problem for City but the Gunners are winning the ball back quickly whenever they lose it.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:43 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Arsenal have had all the early chances and City try to hit back, though Gabriel wins a free-kick after tussling with Haaland at the back post.
The Gunners have made the quicker start, and they now have a dangerous set-piece on the right after Saka is brought down by O’Reilly.
'A good start from Trafford to vindicate Guardiola'
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:42 , Richard Jolly at WembleyOur Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly is at Wembley this afternoon.
“A triple save from James Trafford and a good start for him. The back-up was outstanding in the semi-final win over Newcastle but any mistake from him today would prompt suggestions Guardiola should have picked Gianluigi Donnarumma.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:40 , Chris Wilson7 mins
CHANCE! What a chance for the Gunners!
It’s a lovely move too, Zubimendi threading a lovely pass to put Havertz clean through.
Trafford is off his line quickly to stop the first effort and he then manages to save two follow-up shots from Saka.
Arsenal should probably be ahead!
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:37 , Chris Wilson4 mins
The first opening of the game for Arsenal, as Gyokeres latches onto a through ball.
He races past one challenge and tries to cut it back to Havertz, but Khusanov is there to clear and win a foul.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:34 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Early touches for both sides, with neither looking nervy despite both giving the ball away cheaply.
Arsenal briefly think they have an opening but Gyokeres was offside.
