O’Reilly Shines with Double as Manchester City Clinch Ninth Carabao Cup Title over Arsenal

Key Takeaways:

• Nico O’Reilly netted both goals in the second half to secure a 2-0 win for Manchester City over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final
• The Cityzens triumphed in their eighth consecutive final appearance, sealing a ninth title in the competition last night
• Pep Guardiola celebrated his 19th trophy at the helm of Manchester City, while Arsenal missed out on a first trophy since 2020

First-Half Stalemate as Arsenal Impress Early

Arsenal entered their first Carabao Cup final in eight years brimming with intent, immediately testing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka both being thwarted in quick succession by a skilful triple save. Despite this early pressure from the Gunners, City gradually seized control, highlighted by Antoine Semenyo’s incisive run past Piero Hincapie. However, his ensuing cross narrowly eluded Erling Haaland in the penalty area.

Pep Guardiola’s outfit maintained the lion’s share of possession throughout the first half, but clear opportunities remained elusive as Arsenal’s defence proved typically resilient. The Cityzens did manage to engineer a promising chance just before the interval, only for Haaland to glance a close-range header wide following another enterprising move from Semenyo.

WE’VE DONE IT!!! 🤩🏆

🔴 0-2 🩵 @okx pic.twitter.com/8LxZSKo6Mi

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 22, 2026

O’Reilly Delivers Decisive Blows for Dominant City

Manchester City carried their momentum into the second period, applying relentless pressure. A significant moment arrived when Jeremy Doku pilfered the ball from Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Arsenal goalkeeper resorting to a cynical foul on the Belgian and collecting a yellow card in the process. City’s relentless attacking eventually paid dividends on the hour mark, as Rayan Cherki delivered a cross that slipped through Kepa’s grasp, allowing Nico O’Reilly to head home unchallenged from inside the six-yard box.

The Cityzens swiftly consolidated their advantage just four minutes later, with O’Reilly again the hero – this time beating Saka to the ball and converting expertly from Matheus Nunes’ cross at the back post.

Arsenal’s Late Rally Falls Short

Mikel Arteta turned to his substitutes, introducing Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori in a bid to inspire a comeback. Calafiori nearly responded instantly, striking a low shot against the outside of the post, while Gabriel later saw a looping header agonisingly hit the bar. Despite these late efforts, Manchester City’s defence held strong during the closing stages, securing a 2-0 victory and a record ninth Carabao Cup trophy for the club.

This win marked Guardiola’s 19th piece of silverware since taking charge, while Arsenal’s wait for a trophy – ongoing since 2020 – continues, effectively dashing their hopes of a historic quadruple.