Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 in Sunday’s League Cup final at Wembley, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice to secure the Blues’ ninth title in the competition.

The game turned on a costly mistake from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who allowed Rayan Cherki’s cross to slip through his hands, presenting O’Reilly with an early second-half opener. Just four minutes later, O’Reilly struck again to seal the victory.

The 21-year-old academy graduate’s decisive contributions made him the hero from left-back, heading home twice in quick succession to cap a memorable day for City.

For Pep Guardiola, the win marked a record fifth League Cup triumph, taking his total career trophies to 40. This includes: six Premier League titles, five League Cups, four Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, three Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, three Bundesliga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, three Community Shields, two Copa del Rey, two DFB Pokals, and two FA Cups.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta defended his decision to start Kepa over first-choice David Raya, saying, “I would do that again. No regrets. I have to do what I think is right, honest and fair.” He acknowledged the disappointment for fans but stressed the need to focus on the remaining two crucial months of the season.

The defeat denied Arsenal their first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup and ended hopes of an unprecedented quadruple, with Arteta’s conservative tactics coming under scrutiny. Nevertheless, the season is not over for the north London club, who remain in contention in the Premier League Champions League and FA Cup.

The victory also cemented City’s status as one of England’s most successful sides in the League Cup, second only to Liverpool’s 10 titles. Guardiola hopes the win can act as a catalyst for the final stages of the 2025/26 season.