AFCON 2025
Manchester City secured their ninth League Cup title on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal, as a quick-fire second-half brace from academy graduate Nico O’Reilly dismantled the Gunners’ hopes of an unprecedented quadruple.
The 21-year-old midfielder struck twice in four minutes to hand Pep Guardiola his fifth triumph in the competition, making him the most successful manager in League Cup history.
Here are three things we learned from the 2026 Carabao Cup final:
1. Nico O’Reilly has Arrived on the Grandest Stage
While the pre-match headlines focused on established stars, it was Nico O’Reilly who made the difference and defined the afternoon. Starting in an unconventional role, O’Reilly showed elite mentality to score two headers in the 60th and 64th minutes.
His first came after Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled a Rayan Cherki cross, while his second was a clinical finish from a Matheus Nunes delivery.
The performance, which earned him Man of the Match honors, suggests City’s conveyor belt of talent remains as productive as ever.
2. Arsenal’s “Nearly Men” Tag Hardens
Mikel Arteta’s side entered the final chasing a historic four-trophy haul, but this defeat raises familiar questions about their ability to execute in “winner-take-all” moments.
Despite a disciplined first half and early pressure that forced saves from James Trafford, the Gunners collapsed during a disastrous four-minute spell.
With key chances missed by Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, and a costly error by stand-in keeper Kepa, the North London side must now refocus on a Premier League title race where City still loom large.
3. Guardiola’s System Outmuscles Individual Reliance
Even as Erling Haaland drew another blank in a major final, Manchester City proved their system is designed to find goals from anywhere.
While Arsenal struggled for cohesion in the final third, City utilized the creative spark of Rayan Cherki and the overlapping runs of their midfielders to overwhelm the Arsenal defense.
This victory marks Guardiola’s 19th trophy in 10 seasons at the Etihad and serves as a psychological marker ahead of the teams’ crucial Premier League meeting next month.
