Manchester City ended Arsenal’s quadruple hopes as they lifted the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory at Wembley, thanks to a second-half brace from 21-year-old left-back Nico O’Reilly.
Pep Guardiola’s side secured their first piece of silverware of the season following a dominant display on Sunday afternoon, which also ended Arsenal’s 14-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Arsenal tested City goalkeeper James Trafford early in the contest, with efforts from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka forcing a stunning triple save from the 23-year-old.
City grew into the game later in the first half and created more danger, with Antoine Semenyo repeatedly troubling Piero Hincapie down the right flank.
Pep Guardiola’s side kept the pressure on the Gunners after the break and finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark through O’Reilly, following a poor mistake from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
O’Reilly added his second five minutes later from a looping cross by Matheus Nunes, securing Man City their ninth Carabao Cup and their first since 2021.
Rayan Cherki Left Pep Guardiola Fuming
Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola and Rayan Cherki
Guardiola was animated as usual during Sunday’s contest and received a yellow card for his celebrations following O’Reilly’s second goal.
Moments later, the Man City manager appeared frustrated with Rayan Cherki, who performed a couple of kick-ups in a brief display of arrogance towards Arsenal.
Guardiola shook his head at the incident, which drew the ire of both Arsenal players and fans, as Ben White slammed into Cherki and was shown a yellow card.
Cherki spent 90 minutes on the field on Sunday, completing 45 of 51 passes, 2 of 5 crosses, and 3 of 5 dribbles, before being replaced by Phil Foden.
Arsenal’s Quadruple Hopes End
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during Mansfield Town v Arsenal
Arsenal’s hopes of securing a quadruple this season ended following their 2-0 loss to Man City at Wembley on Sunday.
No English team in history has completed the feat, although Man City have come close twice, winning three trophies in 2022-23 and 2018-19, while Manchester United did so in 1998-99.
Arsenal sit nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table with seven games to play and are still competing for both the FA Cup and Champions League titles.
After the international break, Arsenal will face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final on April 4, before visiting Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Man City, who were knocked out of European competition by Real Madrid this week, next face Liverpool at home in the FA Cup quarter-final on April 4.
The Carabao Cup trophy Related
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