Manchester City capitalised on a costly mistake by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to secure a 2–0 victory and win the EFL Cup at Wembley on Sunday. Rising star Nico O’Reilly scored both goals in a decisive performance.
After a competitive first half, the game turned in City’s favour early in the second period. Kepa mishandled a routine cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing the ball to slip through his hands. O’Reilly reacted quickest, heading home from close range to break the deadlock.
Just four minutes later, City doubled their lead. Matheus Nunes delivered an accurate cross to the far post, where O’Reilly beat his marker to score his second header of the match, effectively sealing the victory.
Arsenal had started brightly and came close in the first half through Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, but were denied by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper James Trafford, who produced a stunning triple save to keep the score level.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Kepa ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya proved costly, as the error shifted momentum firmly in City’s favour.
The defeat adds to Kepa’s difficult history in the competition, recalling his infamous refusal to be substituted in the 2019 final and his missed penalty in the 2022 final loss to Liverpool.
For Arsenal, the result ends their hopes of winning a first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup and deals a blow to their ambitions of securing a historic quadruple this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City claimed their ninth League Cup title, with manager Pep Guardiola securing a record fifth triumph in the competition. The victory provides a timely boost following their recent Champions League exit and could fuel their push in the Premier League title race.
Despite ongoing speculation about his future, Guardiola’s passionate celebration at full-time highlighted his continued commitment as City look to build momentum in the final stretch of the season.
