Manchester City secured their ninth English League Cup title on Sunday with a decisive 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, propelled by Nico O'Reilly's second-half brace and a critical error from Gunners goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The win marks Pep Guardiola's record fifth League Cup triumph as manager.
Arsenal's decision to start Kepa – whose history of high-profile errors in League Cup finals dates back to his 2019 refusal to be substituted during a penalty shootout against City – proved costly. The Spanish goalkeeper fumbled a routine cross in the 67th minute, allowing O'Reilly to slot home the opener. The 22-year-old Irish striker doubled City's lead just four minutes later with a clinical finish.
While Arsenal remain nine points clear at the Premier League summit and continue competing in both the FA Cup and Champions League, this defeat ends their quest for an unprecedented quadruple. For City, the victory provides crucial momentum following their recent Champions League exit and ongoing Premier League title chase.
Guardiola's animated celebrations after the match fueled speculation about his future, though the manager declined to confirm whether he'll extend his tenure beyond this season. With City now shifting focus to closing the gap with league leaders Arsenal, the result could prove pivotal in both clubs' 2026 campaigns.
