Manchester City claimed their ninth Carabao Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the 2025-26 final at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026.
The match, a clash between the Premier League’s top two sides, remained goalless in the first half as Arsenal dominated possession but failed to convert chances. City grew into the game after the break, exploiting key moments to secure the silverware and deliver Pep Guardiola his 19th trophy with the club.
The turning point arrived in the second half through 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly, who scored twice in four minutes. In the 60th minute, Arsenal’s stand-in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a glaring error, failing to claim a cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing O’Reilly to head home from close range after beating Martín Zubimendi.
Just four minutes later, O’Reilly struck again with a precise header from Matheus Nunes’ cross, capping a stunning brace and turning the final decisively in City’s favor.Arsenal pushed for a response but struggled against City’s organized defense and composure. The Gunners, who entered the match as favorites amid quadruple hopes in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, were left trophyless in this encounter.
Manchester City’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline highlighted their experience in big finals.O’Reilly emerged as the undisputed man of the match, his opportunistic headers marking a breakout performance for the academy product. The win boosted City’s momentum in the title race, while Arsenal’s defeat extended their wait for major silverware under Mikel Arteta.
Bernardo Silva lifted the trophy for Manchester City amid jubilant celebrations, underscoring their dominance in the competition and a return to trophy-winning form after a challenging period.
