- Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup
- They defeated 2-0 at Wembley
- Nico O’Reilly scored both goals
Manchester City have defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final after the second half heroics of Nico O’Reilly.
It was a fairly quiet first half for Man City, with Arsenal having the best chance early on. James Trafford saved a Kai Havertz effort and proceeded to make a double save to deny Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners got forward again shortly after the half-hour mark and Nathan Ake made a very good sliding challenge to keep Viktor Gyokeres quiet.
City eventually had a half-chance of their own just before half-time, but Erling Haaland headed the ball wide of the left post.
With no shots on target and 0.33xG, Pep Guardiola’s team had plenty of work to do in the second half in order to secure a win.
Half-time: Arsenal 0-0 Manchester City
Man City were much more threatening in the second half
Man City almost made a dream start to the second half. Kepa Arrizabalaga abandoned his net and missed the ball, meaning he had to foul Jeremy Doku. However, there was enough defensive cover to save him from a red card.
The Citizens continued to be on top and Arsenal were desperate to slow the game down. Then seemingly out of nowhere, Kepa spilled a straightforward save, allowing Nico O’Reilly to tap the ball in and give his team the lead.
Just minutes later, the 21-year-old had the ball in the back of the net again, scoring a fantastic header. This time the assist came from Matheus Nunes, who fired in a pinpoint cross.
Declan Rice should have responded in the 73rd minute when he was given a free header from a free kick, but he aimed his effort straight at Trafford. Riccardo Calafiori came close a short while later, but his curling half volley struck the post.
Arsenal kept pushing and Noni Madueke hit the bar with a header with a few minutes left to play, but the Gunners were unable to land on the scoresheet.
Full-time: Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City
Man City will have gained belief to win the Premier League title
Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup, but Arsenal are still nine points clear in the Premier League table.
Despite this, the Sky Blues have a game in hand, as well as a home fixture against Mikel Arteta’s side coming up next month.
Therefore, today’s victory will have restored a bit of faith that City are still capable of winning the trophy they want above any other.
