Manchester City have beaten Arsenal 2-0 in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Nico O’Reilly scored two goals in quick succession in the second half to decide Sunday’s showpiece fixture between the Premier League title rivals. Kepa Arrizabalaga made a big error for the first of those, leading to inevitable major scrutiny on Mikel Arteta’s gamble to start him over usual No1 David Raya.
Arsenal’s dreams of an unprecedented trophy quadruple this season are now over, with a new injury concern over Eberechi Eze to make matters worse. City will hope to have dealt them a sizable psychological blow for the top-flight run-in, with Arteta’s side - who have a nine-point advantage at the summit with seven games to go, having played a match more - still having to visit the Etihad Stadium on April 19.
Arsenal have two weeks now to stew on their surprising Wembley no-show during the campaign’s final international break, after which they face Southampton and Sporting in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League respectively. City, meanwhile, host Liverpool next in a blockbuster FA Cup showdown as they celebrate winning the League Cup for the ninth time - a record fifth under the management of Pep Guardiola. Follow Arsenal vs Man City reaction live below!
Arsenal vs Man City highlights
- Man City win Carabao Cup final at Wembley
- Gabriel Jesus header bounces off crossbar
- Calafiori hits the post for Arsenal
- GOAL! O'Reilly heads in quick-fire second
- GOAL! O'Reilly scores after Kepa mistake
Man City lift League Cup trophy for ninth time
18:56 , George FloodManchester City lift the League Cup for the ninth time overall and first since their fourth in a row in 2021.
They are now only one behind record-holders Liverpool.
City’s fifth under Pep Guardiola - no manager has won it more in history.
Arsenal remains trophyless since the 2020 FA Cup final.
They haven’t won the League Cup since 1993.
They have to reset and put this disappointment behind them very quickly.
The Gunners still have that nine-point lead in the title race with seven games to go - City have a game in hand and still have to play Arsenal at the Etihad on April 19 - and have very winnable quarter-final ties in both the FA Cup and Champions League, against Southampton and Sporting respectively, coming up quickly after the international break.
Contrasting emotions at Wembley
18:47 , George FloodArsenal’s players looked as crestfallen as you might expect as they went up to collect their second-place medals, led by Saka and Arteta.
O’Reilly and Trafford were beaming in their post-match interviews on the pitch, meanwhile.
What a day for O’Reilly. And an academy graduate to boot.
An afternoon he will never forget at Wembley.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:27 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
That's an awful afternoon for Arsenal.
Didn't really lay a glove on City and deservedly beaten.
The trophy wait goes on and they now have two weeks to reflect on a huge disappointment.
City, on the other hand, have just had rocket fuel pumped into them heading into the final weeks of the season.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:26 , George FloodFull-time
Manchester City win the Carabao Cup thanks to a quick-fire second-half brace from Nico O’Reilly at Wembley.
Fully deserved - Arsenal were not at the races at all in that second half.
Plenty of scrutiny to follow on Mikel Arteta’s decision to pick Kepa Arrizabalaga over David Raya in goal.
How big an impact will that result have in the Premier League title run-in?
These rivals meet again at the Etihad Stadium in the top-flight on April 19.
Arsenal’s quadruple dream is over.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:23 , George Flood94 mins: Almost over at Wembley.
City’s name is being engraved onto the trophy.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:22 , George Flood93 mins: Plenty of empty seats now at the Arsenal end of Wembley as Madueke’s inviting cross to the back post is headed clear.
Madueke then tries to tee up Saka from the byline, but Rodri is there to clean up for City once more.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:21 , George Flood90 mins: Four minutes of added time at Wembley.
Kepa comes rushing out of his box again to boot clear under pressure from Haaland.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:20 , George Flood90 mins: Silva’s cross is held by Kepa as City break with numbers.
Now they counter again and Doku whips a low shot just wide of the near post.
Replays show that earlier Jesus header actually bounced off the crossbar, rather than being clawed out by Trafford.
Twice Arsenal have hit the woodwork late on at Wembley.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:18 , George Flood88 mins: Arsenal are now finally throwing the kitchen sink at this as Trafford claws away at the last and Gyokeres goes down wanting a penalty.
Saka also has an effort blocked.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:16 , George Flood86 mins: Finally a bit of late momentum for Arsenal as Jesus comes forward and tries to find Saka, but his pass is intercepted by Rodri - who then promptly gives it away.
Arsenal have a throw-in on the far side, but it’s cleared.
Arsenal come again...
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:14 , George Flood83 mins: Arsenal haven’t built on that Calafiori chance at all.
They look passive, stunned and well beaten at the moment.
City still haven’t made a change, either.
The fresh legs aren’t helping the Gunners.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:11 , George Flood81 mins: Arteta is throwing on Martinelli and Jesus with less than 10 minutes to play at Wembley.
White and Trossard off. Rice looks like he’s going to right-back for Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:08 , George Flood77 mins: Martinelli is now out warming up for Arsenal.
A dangerous cross into the box is nodded down by Trossard into the path of Calafiori, who flicks the ball up and his low effort just goes past Trossard before clipping the outside of the post and going behind.
A warning for City not to get too comfortable here.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:06 , George Flood75 mins: A rather awkward clearance is made well by O’Reilly after Saka’s hopeful loft into the box.
Arsenal are quickly running out of time at Wembley, with Arteta in deep conversation with Gabriel Heinze.
Still no sign of Martinelli or Dowman with less than 15 minutes to go.
They haven’t laid a glove on City in this second half.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:03 , George Flood72 mins: A needless foul by City on Madueke and Calafiori has a free header from Rice’s free-kick delivery, but it’s straight at Trafford.
Easy save.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
18:01 , George Flood69 mins: Some very ill-advised, early showboating from Cherki, who decided to do some keepy-ups under no pressure and is promptly wiped out by White.
Yellow card for the Arsenal defender and a shake of the head from Guardiola.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
17:58 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Those Arsenal changes were coming at 1-0 - now Madueke and Calafiori have to help claw back a two-goal deficit.
Arsenal have been so passive since half-time it's hard to believe.
Arsenal 0-2 Man City
17:57 , George FloodGuardiola was booked for his celebrations.
Calafiori and Madueke replace Hincapie and Havertz for Arsenal.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 Man City | Nico O'Reilly 64'
17:55 , George Flood64 mins: Two goals in four minutes for O’Reilly at Wembley!
Lovely move from City and he’s there to head past Kepa in front of Saka after a clipped cross from Nunes.
A huge mountain to climb for Arsenal now.
More wild celebrations down the touchline from Guardiola.
Arsenal 0-1 Man City
17:53 , George Flood63 mins: Wild celebrations from Guardiola on the touchline after that goal.
Still City attack relentlessly.
Arteta is going to send on both Calafiori and Madueke.
Arsenal 0-1 Man City
17:52 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
That's an awful mistake from Kepa.
Cross is straight at him but he lets it squirm through his hands and O'Reilly is there in front of Zubimendi to turn it in.
Got away with one error earlier in the half, but not this one.
Arteta's decision to start him backfiring in a big way.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Man City | Nico O'Reilly 60'
17:50 , George Flood60 mins: City deservedly lead on the hour mark!
Dreadful from Kepa as Cherki’s cross goes through his hands, with O’Reilly getting in ahead of Zubimendi to head home the loose ball from close range.
A major selection call from Arteta has backfired.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:49 , George Flood59 mins: Two vital bits of defending from Saliba again inside the Arsenal box, denying Haaland both times.
Now Ake tries to let fly as City continue to come forward with wave after wave of attacks.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:48 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Arteta must be considering taking Hincapie off.
Already on a yellow card and he has the look of a man who wants to keep sticking a leg out when Semenyo or one of the other City attackers are drifting inside past him.
Arsenal cannot get out, it's one-way traffic.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:47 , George Flood57 mins: Semenyo has Hincapie one-on-one again, cuts in off the City right and flashes a low effort well wide of the back post.
Arsenal look so nervy now and Kepa repeatedly dawdling on the ball inside the box is certainly not helping them.
They need to get up the pitch.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:46 , George Flood55 mins: City are well on top in this second half as a big header from Trossard sees away a dangerous cross.
Again, Arsenal are penned in and can’t keep possession, with no out ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:43 , George Flood53 mins: A far livelier feel to this final now as Arsenal launch a couple of quick-fire forays forward that ultimately come to nothing.
Crowd are getting back into it at both ends of Wembley.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:42 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
That's woken everyone up. Kepa a lucky boy. Came out of goal, got caught out by the bounce and then he's scrambling for dear life.
Grabs hold of Doku and can be grateful it's only a yellow card.
So hesitant as he came out and then just watched it bounce away from him.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:41 , George Flood51 mins: A clever cross-field ball from City releases Doku down the left, with Kepa coming racing out of his box to wrestle and pull back the Belgian winger.
Kepa is booked by Peter Bankes, who stopped that too quickly with Doku still in possession and Haaland in the middle.
City have a free-kick in a dangerous position instead.
Semenyo steps up and fires it harmlessly wide of the back post.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:39 , George Flood50 mins: Arsenal are lucky to win a corner after Havertz’s cross was blocked by Khusanov and came back off the German and behind.
City see it away.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:38 , George Flood48 mins: Nunes’ right-wing cross to the back post is deftly headed away by Arsenal.
Cherki and Doku then combine to feed Haaland, who is battling furiously with Saliba as his underhit toe poke is safely gathered by Kepa.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:37 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
I take that back. Kepa has just stood on the ball for what felt like 45 seconds as 21 statues in front of him stared back.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:35 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Right then, it surely has to improve. Even 0-0 felt a generous reflection on the entertainment in that first half.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:34 , George FloodBack underway at Wembley.
No changes from Arteta or Guardiola, so Hincapie stays on for Arsenal for now.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:32 , George FloodIan Wright wants to see the quick introduction of Martinelli to give Arsenal more of a direct threat in attack.
Also, how soon will we see Calafiori off the bench?
Hincapie is on a yellow and struggled up against Semenyo.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:29 , George FloodHow important could this early triple save from Trafford prove to be?
James Trafford called into action early! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/ylmXO21hgu
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:27 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Saliba has had the better of his battle with Haaland so far.
The first sniff of goal Haaland gets is when Saliba is stuck at left-back after Arsenal were unable to reset amid a quick succession of Man City attacks.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:20 , George FloodHalf-time
Goalless at the break in the Carabao Cup final after a very tame first period at Wembley.
Trafford’s early triple save to deny Havertz and Saka, and Saliba stopping Haaland from heading home Semenyo’s fierce cross the key moments so far.
Haaland also headed over just before the interval.
All to play for in the second half.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:17 , George Flood45 mins: Just the one minute of added time signalled at the end of this rather insipid first half.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:16 , George Flood44 mins: Arsenal’s fans are becoming very frustrated here as City bombard their box and the Gunners cannot get out, persistently gifting possession straight back with no out ball.
Semenyo bursts past Rice inside the box and his clipped cross to the back post is headed over by Haaland, who had two defenders for company.
They did enough.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:14 , George Flood42 mins: The crowd are getting restless with the officials as half-time draws close.
City break quickly and Cherki finds Haaland, with Saliba conceding the corner.
Cherki’s ball towards Haaland is headed away.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:13 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
This has become a very dull game. Both sides have a lot of respect for each other and it means there's not many risks being taken.
City haven't had a single shot yet. Arsenal have only had two since that early Trafford triple save.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:12 , George Flood40 mins: Semenyo takes on Hincapie again down the City right, but his cross intended for Haaland is overhit and sails harmlessly out of play beyond the back post for a Kepa goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:10 , George Flood39 mins: Gabriel stands tall to see off the threat of Semenyo once again.
Half-time is fast approaching.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:09 , George FloodA war of attrition at Wembley at the moment...
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:08 , George Flood36 mins: The persistent and determined Saka does well to earn another Arsenal corner.
His delivery from the right is headed well over the crossbar by Hincapie.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:05 , George Flood32 mins: Rice’s free-kick delivery from the right after Khusanov’s foul on Gyokeres is headed away emphatically by Nunes.
Ake tries to play offside but it’s all disjoined at the back from City before the Dutchman recovers to dispossess Gyokeres inside the box.
Rice’s long throw-in from the Arsenal left is cleared, now Gabriel has fouled Nunes.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:03 , George Flood31 mins: Referee Peter Bankes has his yellow card out again, this time for Khusanov for wiping out Gyokeres.
One booking apiece now as we tick past the half-hour mark at Wembley.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:02 , George Flood28 mins: City captain Silva is fortunate not to have been booked for an accumulation of early fouls at Wembley as he now barges over Trossard.
Calafiori is out warming up for Arsenal. Is Arteta pondering the withdrawal of Hincapie already here?
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:01 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Gabriel to the rescue a couple of times in the last few minutes. First to make up for his own terrible pass, and now after Semenyo just skips away from Hincapie.
Arsenal finding themselves a bit penned in at the moment.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
17:00 , George Flood27 mins: 73 per cent possession in this last 10 minutes for City.
Semenyo beats Hincapie - on a yellow card, remember - all ends up again before his low cross is blocked behind by Gabriel.
Silva’s corner from the right is headed away at the back post.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:58 , George Flood25 mins: An important clearance inside the Arsenal box stops Semenyo in his tracks.
The Gunners have become rather passive here after an energetic start.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:57 , George FloodCombative stuff early on at Wembley, where we await a breakthrough.
Arsenal were well on top early on, but it’s now an even game with City gaining far more control.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:53 , George Flood21 mins: Khusanov goes in hard on Havertz before a naughty little block on Saka by Doku leaves the England winger on the deck.
It’s getting physical out there.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:52 , George Flood20 mins: Much better from City now as Semenyo beats Hincapie and then whips in a fierce cross for Haaland, who is just nudged away from it by Saliba.
If he gets his head to that, which he should have done, then it’s 1-0.
Doku’s follow-up delivery from the other side is deflected behind for a corner, with Cherki’s ball in easily gathered by Kepa.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:50 , George Flood18 mins: Haaland heads clear another searching Arsenal free-kick into the City box from the right flank.
The Gunners keep the pressure on and there’s an important clearance in there by Khusanov.
Cherki is down now after trying to challenge Saka, City have a free-kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:49 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Hincapie a fraction late and he pays the price, yellow card very early in this match.
Real test now for him up against Semenyo. Arsenal started really fast but City have just started to get some control now.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:48 , George Flood15 mins: Hincapie is late in on Nunes and receives the first yellow card of this final.
A long time to last on a booking up against Semenyo, Doku, Cherki and Haaland.
A brief flashpoint just before between Silva and Trossard as well.
The temperature is rising at Wembley.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:46 , George Flood13 mins: City clear again, but this has been a really slow start from Guardiola’s men.
All Arsenal so far at Wembley.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:45 , George Flood11 mins: A foolish challenge by O’Reilly on Saka gives Arsenal a free-kick in a useful position down their right flank, with an eventual fierce effort from Trossard deflected behind.
City deal with the first corner from Saka but now have a long throw-in to defend on the near side.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:42 , George Flood10 mins: City finally come forward after a nervy start as Rodri slings a cross into the Arsenal box, but Haaland gives away a free-kick as he tussles with Saliba.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:40 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Big, big moment. City opened up and Havertz has the chance to open the scoring.
Trafford spread himself and it's a great stop, but that was a huge opportunity for Arsenal to take control of this final.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:40 , George Flood7 mins: A great start this from Arsenal as they link up well in attack and Zubimendi threads through in the box for Havertz, who is denied by Trafford.
Trafford also blocks two follow-ups from Saka.
City’s weakened defence is looking notably iffy already at Wembley.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:38 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Decent start this from Gyokeres. Already showed he's got the pace to beat Khusanov and Ake, Arsenal keen to play in behind to him early on.
Havertz floating in the space around him should benefit the Swede.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:36 , George Flood4 mins: A nervy initial clearance from Ake opens the door for Gyokeres, who gets to the byline as his dangerous low cross is cleared by Khusanov.
Havertz with a needless foul alleviates the early pressure on City.
Arsenal 0-0 Man City
16:35 , George Flood3 mins: A tense start at Wembley, with Arsenal seeing the majority of the ball as Kepa is forced into a somewhat rushed clearance under pressure.
No early chances to speak of just yet.
Arsenal vs Man City
16:33 , George FloodUnderway at Wembley!
Will Arsenal win their first major trophy since 2020 and keep that quadruple bid alive?
Time to find out...
Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
The City fans behind the goal have whipped out the Poznan ahead of kick-off. Gone very early with that...
Teams are out
16:26 , George FloodHere come the teams amid brilliant noise and colour at Wembley, which is split between red/white and light blue as the pre-match pyrotechnics shoot flames.
The Carabao Cup is often derided, but this feels like such a massive game this afternoon in so many ways.
Time for the national anthem.
Bouncing atmosphere inside Wembley
16:24 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Bouncing atmosphere inside Wembley.
A saxophone version of Arsenal's 'allez allez allez' chant has got the red half of the stadium going.
Arsenal might need to get him at the Emirates for the next couple of months, very enjoyable.
Spotlight on Khusanov and Ake for Man City
16:23 , George FloodSome understandable concerns on social media about that centre-back pairing for Manchester City...
Khusanov / Ake in central defence for #MCFC - not the strongest pairing -- as for #Arsenal, hope Dowman makes an appearance#CarabaoCup
— Rahul Vaidyanath (@RV_ETSports) March 22, 2026
Guardiola reveals injury latest on Ruben Dias
16:22 , George FloodPep Guardiola confirms that Ruben Dias picked up an injury against Real Madrid in midweek and is not ready.
He doesn't believe it's a big issue, however.
Manchester City host Liverpool in a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final clash straight after the international break.
Arteta delivers update on Timber and Odegaard
16:15 , George FloodMikel Arteta believes that Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard are still a fortnight or so away from returning to action for Arsenal.
"They couldn’t make it. I think they will still be a couple of weeks,” he said.
“Let's see after the international break if we have anybody back.”
He also says that Kepa Arrizabalaga has been “phenomenal” in the cups for Arsenal this season and fully deserves to start at Wembley.
Arsenal fans hoping for big Dowman cameo
16:10 , George FloodA lot of Arsenal fans are hoping that we get to see a sizable cameo from Max Dowman off the bench at Wembley...
Hopefully we get to see Max Dowman ball today. #AFC #Arsenal #Dowman #Arteta #CarabaoCup
— Runway (@RocafellaAFC) March 22, 2026
Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
16:04 , George FloodMore pre-match thoughts from Standard Sport’s Arsenal correspondent Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium...
🗣️ "The chance to deal a huge psychological blow ahead of the title run-in."@MattVerri is in position at Wembley to preview today's Carabao Cup final
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 22, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/98m5w7Eyya#ARSMCI | #CarabaoCup | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/1KolDEQMHo
Arteta on Eze absence: We tried everything
16:02 , George FloodHere’s what Mikel Arteta has said on Eberechi Eze’s absence ahead of kick-off at Wembley.
“We tried everything [to get him fit for the game], but unfortunately he, Martin, Jurrien and Mikel are out,” the Arsenal boss said.
Arsenal's 1993 League Cup winners at Wembley
15:54 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Arsenal have invited their 1993 squad to Wembley this afternoon.
They were the last group to win this competition for the club.
There are 17 of the squad expected to be here today, including Lee Dixon, David Seaman and Tony Adams.
Merino with Arsenal squad at Wembley
15:52 , George FloodAs Matt reported earlier, Mikel Merino has been out on the Wembley pitch with his Arsenal team-mates ahead of kick-off.
His right foot is still in a boot after surgery on that rare and serious injury suffered back in January and he’s using a crutch.
He has been sidelined for months and it remains to be seen if he will play again this season, with the World Cup also looming.
Eze absence a big setback for Arsenal
15:42 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
Team news is out and Arsenal are without Eberechi Eze, who misses out on the squad completely.
There had been rumours that he was struggling with an injury and that has now been confirmed.
Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are also unavailable, despite hope that they could potentially at least make the bench.
No Dias for Man City as Trafford, Ake, O’Reilly and Semenyo come in
15:34 , George FloodNo Ruben Dias for Manchester City as reported earlier, with Nathan Ake preferred to John Stones as the centre-back partner for Abdukodir Khusanov with Marc Guehi ineligible.
James Trafford is back in goal as expected with Gianluigi Donnarumma on the bench, while Nico O’Reilly comes in for Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back.
In attack, Erling Haaland is ready to start after his surprising substitution against Real Madrid on Tuesday, and Tijjani Reijnders makes way for Antoine Semenyo.
No Eze for Arsenal as Kepa and Havertz start
15:26 , George FloodSo as reported, there is no Eberechi Eze at all for Arsenal this afternoon - it’s being described as a “lower leg injury” by BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel.
No Jurrien Timber or Martin Odegaard still, either.
Kepa Arrizabalaga takes over from David Raya in goal as expected, with Ben White again preferred to Cristhian Mosquera at right-back in Timber’s absence.
Kai Havertz replaces Eze as the No10, with Bukayo Saka captaining Arsenal at Wembley.
Max Dowman is among the substitutes.
Man City lineup
15:19 , George FloodMan City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Donnarumma, Reijnders, Stones, Marmoush, Kovacic, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden
Arsenal lineup
15:17 , George FloodArsenal XI: Kepa, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
Subs: Raya, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Madueke, Dowman, Martinelli, Jesus
Injured Merino with Arsenal squad at Wembley
15:16 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Matt Verri at Wembley Stadium
The Arsenal players have been filtering out to have an early look at the Wembley pitch.
Mikel Merino is with the squad this afternoon. He has a protective boot on his right foot and a crutch in his left hand as he continues his recovery from surgery.
He’s still in a race to return before the end of the season.
Eze a 'major doubt' for Arsenal with Timber also out?
15:14 , George FloodBBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reports that Eberechi Eze is indeed a ‘major doubt’ for Arsenal this afternoon due to injury, as well as there being ongoing ‘doubt’ over Jurrien Timber’s inclusion.
Eze did go off as part of a rare quadruple late change made by Mikel Arteta against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, having gone down and received treatment just moments before.
He insisted afterwards that he would be fine, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Havertz to replace Eze for Arsenal?
15:05 , George FloodMore major team news whispers on social media concerning today’s Carabao Cup final.
This time among the Arsenal crowd on X, where there are suggestions - as yet unconfirmed - that Eberechi Eze will not play at Wembley, with doubts also apparently continuing over Jurrien Timber’s availability.
It is being rumoured that Kai Havertz will play as the Gunners’ starting No10 instead this afternoon.
That would be quite the setback, considering Eze’s magical display in midweek.
If there’s no Timber still, then it would presumably be Ben White over Cristhian Mosquera at right-back again.
White got the nod against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday night, despite it being Mosquera who replaced an injured Timber off the bench in the win over Everton.
Official lineups on the way very soon...
The match that will kickstart an era of Arsenal dominance?
14:59 , George FloodMikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola have both previously sat in the Wembley dugout for a Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City, writes Matt Verri.
The pair were side-by-side in 2018, Arteta serving as Guardiola’s assistant and playing his part in widening the chasm between the two clubs.
City won 3-0, dominating a final that heralded the start of one era and the last throes of another. Guardiola won his first silverware as City boss and 17 more trophies have followed. Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign would end a few months later.
“Both clubs were in a very different stage in that moment and you could sense not only in terms of the squad but in many other situations,” Arteta said this week of that clash.
There feels a similar significance to Sunday’s final, eight years on. The dominance of the Guardiola years is fading and speculation continues that he could leave City at the end of the season.
For Arsenal, this is a chance to launch a trophy-winning period against a side who will define their season.
Only City can stop them claiming the Premier League title and the teams could meet again at Wembley in the FA Cup.
Read the full match preview in full here
Stage is set at Wembley
14:45 , George FloodThe calm before the storm at Wembley...
Why can't Guehi play for Man City in Carabao Cup final?
14:34 , George FloodSo why can’t Marc Guehi play for Manchester City either today? And how is it that fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo can?
Well, current Carabao Cup rules state that a player must have been signed before the first leg of the semi-finals in order to then be eligible to feature in the second leg and the final.
Guehi’s cut-price £20million transfer from Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium came after City had already beaten Newcastle 2-0 in the semi-final first leg at St James’ Park.
However, Semenyo was signed from Bournemouth for £65m before that match, in which he played and scored.
Put simply, that is why he can play at Wembley and Guehi can’t.
It has nothing to do with both players having featured for their previous clubs in earlier rounds of the competition.
Man City without injured Ruben Dias at Wembley
14:20 , George FloodSome major breaking team news from Wembley in the last few moments concerning Manchester City.
Sam Lee of The Athletic reports that Ruben Dias will be absent today due to a hamstring injury.
That is a colossal blow for City, who are now without their first-choice centre-back pairing with Marc Guehi ineligible to feature.
You’d imagine that Abdukodir Khusanov was already in line to start with no Guehi, as he did against Real Madrid in midweek before Guehi replaced Dias at half-time.
You’d think that now he will be partnered by John Stones, with Nathan Ake another potential option.
Carabao Cup final prediction
14:11 , George FloodA meeting in a final between the top two teams in the country points towards a fascinating tie as the winners could land a massive psychological blow in the Premier League title race.
Manchester City, particularly under Pep Guardiola, are masters of this competition and no manager has lifted the Carabao Cup trophy more times than the Spaniard.
That said, Arsenal have had City’s number in recent years and we think they will get the job done to finally end their six-year wait for some major silverware.
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
Man City team news
14:07 , George FloodMarc Guehi remains unavailable for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup due to competition rules - more on that in a moment.
Otherwise they are at close to full strength, with Josko Gvardiol their only known injury absentee.
Like former coaching protege and Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola has had his own dilemma about whether to stick with his typical goalkeeper rotation in the cup or pivot back to his usual No1.
The two managers appear to have settled on the same approach, with Guardiola confirming at Friday’s pre-match press conference that James Trafford would get the nod at Wembley over Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal team news
14:01 , George FloodAll the reporting so far today has been that Kepa Arrizabalaga will retain his place as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper this afternoon, over usual No1 David Raya.
Kepa - who has a lot of well-documented history in this fixture with Chelsea - has been called upon to start in every Carabao Cup and FA Cup game for the Gunners so far this season, and today looks set to be no different.
Arsenal were hoping that Jurrien Timber and captain Martin Odegaard would shake off injuries in time to be involved, and both players were seen taking part in training at London Colney yesterday.
Mikel Merino remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on a rare and serious foot injury last month.
How to watch Arsenal vs Man City
13:56 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, today’s Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City will be televised live on both Sky Sports and ITV.
Coverage starts on Sky Sports Football at 3.30pm GMT and then at 4.15pm on Sky Sports Main Event, after the conclusion of the huge relegation six-pointer between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
On ITV1, free-to-air coverage begins at 3.30pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to catch the final live online via the Sky Go app.
The showpiece fixture will also be broadcast live and free to air on the ITVX website and app.
Arsenal vs Man City live
13:52 , George FloodGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the 2025/26 Carabao Cup final between rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
The first piece of major silverware in the English domestic football season is on offer today as the two best teams in the land go head to head on the biggest stage, hoping to claim trophy glory but also deal a big psychological blow ahead of the conclusion to the Premier League title race.
Kick-off is at 4:30pm GMT, so stay with us for match build-up, breaking team news and live updates, including expert analysis from Arsenal correspondent Matt Verri at Wembley.
You won’t want to miss it!
