City Wins Carabao Cup After Beating Arsenal 2-0 in Final, O'Reilly Scores Spectacular Brace

Manchester City successfully clinched the English League Cup (Carabao Cup) title for the 2025/26 season after defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium, London, on Monday, March 23, 2026, early morning WIB.

The Citizens' victory was inseparable from the brilliant performance of young talent Nico O’Reilly, who made the difference with his two second-half goals.

This title marks Manchester City's ninth English League Cup trophy in Club History. Under Pep Guardiola's guidance, City have now collected five titles in this competition, edging closer to Liverpool's record as the most successful team.

From the opening whistle, the match unfolded at a high tempo. Arsenal appeared aggressive and took attacking initiative in the first 15 minutes. A golden opportunity arose in the seventh minute, but City goalkeeper James Trafford reacted alertly to deny Kai Havertz from close range, then swiftly cleared the rebound from Bukayo Saka's shot.

Despite early dominance, Arsenal failed to convert chances into goals. Conversely, Manchester City began breaking through the pressure and created an opportunity via Erling Haaland in the 20th minute, though it yielded no result. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.

Entering the second half, both teams played more disciplined while still probing for openings in the opponent's defense. The deadlock finally broke in the 60th minute through Nico O’Reilly.

The goal originated from Rayan Cherki's cross that Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to intercept cleanly. O’Reilly, positioned ideally, nodded the ball home to put City ahead 1-0.

Just four minutes later, O’Reilly reappeared on the scoresheet. This time, he met Matheus Nunes' cross with a header to the left side of the goal, doubling Manchester City's lead to 2-0.

This achievement placed O’Reilly among the youngest players to score twice in an English League Cup final, following in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney and Ronnie Whelan.

Arsenal had a chance to narrow the deficit in the 78th minute, but Riccardo Calafiori's strike rattled the post without changing the score.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attempted to intensify the attack by introducing Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. However, these efforts couldn't alter the outcome.

The 2-0 scoreline held until the final whistle, securing Manchester City's victory. The Citizens rightfully lifted the trophy, while Arsenal's ambition to claim four trophies in one season was dashed.