- Nico O’Reilly’s heroics for Man City
- Rayan Cherki’s disrepect towards Arsenal
- Mikel Arteta’s post-match humbling
Manchester City defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and there were three moments which were a joy to watch unfold.
The 2026 edition of the Carabao Cup has been won by Manchester City after a really good second half display against Arsenal.
There were plenty of enjoyable highlights both while the match was ongoing and during the post-game celebrations.
Here are the three best moments from Sunday, as Man City claimed their fifth League Cup trophy under Pep Guardiola.
Nico O’Reilly scored two goals in quick succession
Manchester City might not have become the Carabao Cup winners without the vital contributions of Nico O’Reilly, who was the clear player of the match.
Despite playing as a left-back, the Englishman delivered some attacking brilliance in the second half to put his team two goals ahead.
Nico O'Reilly scores ANOTHER! 😱 pic.twitter.com/AhPZ29VCKP
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026
O’Reilly pounced on a Kepa Arrizabalaga error on the hour-mark and four minutes later he scored a well directed header to double City’s advantage.
These were certainly the most important moments of the game, as Man City remained strong in defence and saw out the victory.
Rayan Cherki’s antics had Ben White triggered
Once Man City had their 2-0 lead, Rayan Cherki began toying with Arsenal’s defenders and at one point he decided to start performing keepie-uppies in their half of the pitch.
Guardiola was left unimpressed by the winger’s actions and Ben White was clearly frustrated, causing him to wipe Cherki off the ball just seconds later. However, the travelling City fans enjoyed this act of mockery.
In a separate incident, Cherki was seen rolling on the ground while clutching his ankle, before pausing to grin, all while an argument between both team’s players was ongoing.
Cherki does not have a single serious bone in his body pic.twitter.com/rKeA46EoxN
— sev⁶ (@obviouslyruben6) March 23, 2026
Mikel Arteta was booed during the trophy lift
Even though Mikel Arteta was once the assistant manager at Man City, he has become an extremely unpopular figure among the club’s fanbase.
Therefore, it was no surprise when the Spaniard was booed every time he was seen on the big screen, when Man City were lifting the trophy.
Arteta has come across as both smug and arrogant during his time at Arsenal and whenever he gets put in his place, it is a sight to behold.
Read More: Bernardo Silva outlines why Manchester City were ‘really good’ against Arsenal in Carabao Cup final
