**Nico O’Reilly’s season just keeps on getting better. A senior England debut at the beginning of October, a brace against Newcastle United in the Premier League a month ago and now, a double against Arsenal to hand City their first piece of silverware in nearly 22 months.**
This Carabao Cup final was, initially, an indication as to what the Premier League table currently looks like – with Mikel Arteta’s side dominating in the early stages. However, City grew in the latter stages and O’Reilly’s duo of headers in the 60th and 64th minutes compounded the misery of a weakened Arsenal side in London.
Indeed, it was the Gunners who made the much brighter start at a sold-out Wembley Stadium and a big test of City’s mettle came after just seven minutes when James Trafford, with full confidence from Guardiola, made a stunning triple save to nullify the Gunners’ early yet patient threat.
They worked the ball into the box while a weakened City defence, tainted by Ruben Dias’s hamstring injury shortly before the match, struggled to wake. Kai Havertz was slipped through by Martin Zubimendi before Trafford made his first stop, denying two consecutive Bukayo Saka efforts seconds later.
It took Manchester City about 20 minutes to find their feet and shortly after Piero Hincapie was shown a yellow card for a foul on Matheus Nunes, Antoine Semenyo’s direct cross nearly flashed City in front when Erling Haaland leapt but missed the ball by inches.
A vital challenge by Nathan Ake on Viktor Gyokeres and Hincapie’s off-target header later, City came with motivation and force once more – and again through Semenyo. The £65 million January signing flicked a cute cross towards the Arsenal back post but Haaland, man-marked by both Ben White and Hincapie, couldn’t get up for it.
But then, suddenly, City grew into the game into the second half particularly and after 55 minutes, Bernardo Silva worked the ball well on the edge of the area before a Rodri strike was blocked by a wall of red shirts.
Not long after came the first of two rapid-fire blows for Mikel Arteta; the first came from Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose horror mistake – the ball slipping through his gloves after a cross from Rayan Cherki – gifted O’Reilly his seventh goal of the season.
And then came his eighth only three minutes later. This time, Rodri supplied Matehus Nunes on the right side of the box where a patient cross led to O’Reilly hammering a header into the far corner of the net. In little over 15 second-half minutes, the game was done.
Riccardo Calafiori teed himself up from the left side of the area and struck the woodwork, but by the time Arsenal had regained any strength to fight on the offensive once again, half of the ground was already emptying.
There was little to wish for as an Arsenal fan, with the City fans cheering for every misplaced pass or the frequent appearance of “Blue Moon” sounding around Wembley. This was a fourth consecutive Carabao Cup final that Arsenal have lost – and a sad, sad day to be one of those in the red half of Wembley even with the Premier League to fall back on.
Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their Carabao Cup Final triumph against Arsenal!
**James Trafford – 7.5**
A triple save after seven minutes was crucial here, denying Havertz first before two following shots by Saka. Those goals would have killed the game instantly.
**Matheus Nunes – 6.5**
So, so importantly patient for the second goal and an outstanding overall performance from him at right-back. Perhaps one of his best games this season? Should certainly be up for debate.
**Abdukodir Khusanov – 5.5**
Gained confidence in recent weeks as a result of some incredible performances and covered well for both the injured Ruben Dias and ineligible Marc Guehi. Kept close to Gyokeres throughout to nullify the danger.
**Nathan Ake – 5.5**
Kept his composure, most notably when Gyokeres was played through where the Dutchman slid in a timely manner to prevent a goal-scoring opportunity for Arsenal.
**Nico O’Reilly – 8**
Dealt with Saka well in the first half, parrying multiple passes and shots and his goals proved to be crucial, and the leading factor in City’s first trophy in nearly 22 months. What a performance.
**Rodri – 6.5**
Controlled the midfield and exposed Rice’s flaws throughout. An incredibly strong display and one of the best players on the pitch here. Played a big role in the second.
**Bernardo Silva – 6**
Motivated City’s onslaught around the hour and kickstarted the dominance in the second period. A true captain’s performance and one that, really, begs the question of whether he is ready to leave the top levels just yet.
**Rayan Cherki – 6**
Technically entertaining as always, but this time a little more important with his quick feet in and around the penalty area. Tracked back where necessary and worked tirelessly.
**Jeremy Doku – 6.5**
Caused all types of problems for Arsenal down the left throughout the majority of this game. His dribbling was a tough task to conquer for White, with the Belgium international having too much speed to handle.
**Antoine Semenyo – 7**
Sent some dangerous crosses into the Arsenal penalty area and could have got an assist after 20 minutes when he delivered to Haaland in the box. Certainly City’s most dangerous defender on the day.
**Erling Haaland – 6**
Was tied down for most of the game given his potential to punish defences. Could have scored early in the first half but opened avenues elsewhere, be it intended or not.
**Phil Foden – 5**
Came on with four minutes of injury-time remaining so no rating would be true. But who cares? Manchester City are Carabao Cup winners.