They ride Nico O’Reilly’s double to beat Arsenal 2-0 in the final
London: Manchester City lifted the Carabao Cup after a clinical 2-0 win over Arsenal in the final at Wembley on Sunday, with young defender Nico O’Reilly emerging as the unlikely match-winner.
After an even first half, City asserted control post the interval. O’Reilly opened the scoring in the 60th minute, reacting quickest to head home after a goalkeeping lapse. The 21-year-old doubled the advantage four minutes later with another well-taken header, effectively sealing the contest.
City looked sharper in key moments, managing the game efficiently once in front, while Arsenal failed to recover after conceding in quick succession.
The triumph marked another domestic success for Pep Guardiola’s side and highlighted their depth, with an academy product stepping up on the big stage.
For Arsenal, the defeat came as a setback in an otherwise strong campaign. Despite their lead in the Premier League, they were unable to match City’s composure in the final third and saw their hopes of adding the League Cup to their season’s tally end here.
The result could also have implications in the title race, with City gaining momentum ahead of a crucial phase of the season.
