Arsenal have been defeated in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley by Manchester City’s young full-back, Nico O’Reilly, who stunned their rivals with two goals in four minutes.
Despite Arsenal being nine points ahead of their rivals at the top of the Premier League table, this loss ends their hopes of achieving a quadruple, winning all four major trophies in a season.
Following a goalless first half, O’Reilly broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when he capitalized on a mistake by Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from close range.
Just four minutes later, O’Reilly scored again, doubling City’s lead.
Arsenal entered the cup final still in the running for an unprecedented quadruple, although it was considered unlikely.
Sky Sports analysis: Arsenal vs Man City
Manchester City, after a less-than-stellar season so far, were aiming to secure some silverware. The victory marks a record fifth League Cup triumph for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Pep: Trophy win was ‘special’
Guardiola told Sky Sports that «when you win a trophy it’s important. But this was special because we’ve had a tough two weeks and especially because of the opponent.
«The first 15 minutes they suffocated us. We could not breathe. After that, we started to play.»
Despite the first half ending without goals, both teams had opportunities, with Erling Haaland missing a close-range header and City’s goalkeeper James Trafford making a triple save to deny Arsenal.
Bernardo Silva lifts the trophy surrounded by teammates. Pic: Action Images/Reuters
O’Reilly ‘buzzing’ after birthday goals
O’Reilly expressed his excitement after scoring both goals on the same weekend as his 21st birthday.
«It’s an unbelievable feeling to win a final and defeat this team. We know how good they [Arsenal] are. Now we need to build on it.»
«It will provide us with positive momentum,» he informed Sky Sports.
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Sky Sports’ Gary Neville said: «City have been fantastic in this second half. There were many like myself who fancied Arsenal this afternoon, but Arteta will be bewildered with how his team have performed.»
That was also the sentiment from Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp: «City were by far the better team. Arsenal didn’t have an answer. They missed [captain Martin] Odegaard, no [Eberechi] Eze [both absent because of injury], they had no real cohesion, no pace up front.»
Redknapp: Playing Raya ‘backfired’
Redknapp was also critical of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to play Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya in goal.
«He’s not a bad goalkeeper but he’s not as good as Raya. It has backfired big time,» Redknapp said.
But after the match, Arteta defended his decision: «I have to do what I think is right which is honest and fair. Kepa is an outstanding keeper, and it would’ve been very unfair on him to do something different.
«I’m very sad [at the result]. It’s a hard one to take. We know how much it means and how much we wanted it. «The fact we haven’t managed to deliver that is disappointing and leaves a bad taste,» he added. «It will give us good momentum,» he told Sky Sports.
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville said: «City have been fantastic in this second half. There were many like myself who fancied Arsenal this afternoon, but Arteta will be bewildered with how his team have performed.»
That was also the sentiment from Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp: «City were by far the better team. Arsenal didn’t have an answer. They missed [captain Martin] Odegaard, no [Eberechi] Eze [both absent because of injury], they had no real cohesion, no pace up front.»
Redknapp was also critical of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to play Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya in goal.
«He’s not a bad goalkeeper but he’s not as good as Raya. It has backfired big time,» Redknapp said.
But after the match, Arteta defended his decision: «I have to do what I think is right which is honest and fair. Kepa is an outstanding keeper, and it would’ve been very unfair on him to do something different.
«I’m very sad [at the result]. It’s a hard one to take. We know how much it means and how much we wanted it. The fact we haven’t managed to deliver that is disappointing and leaves a bad taste,» he added.
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