Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with Nico O'Reilly scoring twice after Kepa's mistake
Neil Docking
18:37, 22 Mar 2026Updated 18:48, 22 Mar 2026
Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a big error during Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley
View 4 Images
Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a colossal error during Arsenal vs Manchester City at Wembley(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal suffered defeat in the Carabao Cup final as Manchester City capitalised on a catastrophic error by calamity keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
It proved a cautious first half with precious few opportunities for either team. Kai Havertz enjoyed the finest chance of the early proceedings, an excellent delivery from Martin Zubimendi carving open the City defensive line. Kepa, selected to start ahead of David Raya, was hugely fortunate not to be sent off when he received a booking following a foul on Jeremy Doku beyond the penalty area.
This would prove the catalyst for the Nico O'Reilly goal after the Spaniard's failure to collect the cross resulted in the breakthrough. The City youngster quickly claimed his second in comparable fashion after Nunes was permitted an opportunity to deliver, and O'Reilly nodded home. Despite substitutions from Arteta, the Gunners were unable to discover a route back into the contest.
Kepa Arrizabalaga had a nightmare at Wembley
View 4 Images
Kepa Arrizabalaga had a nightmare at Wembley(Image: Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Here is how football.london assessed the displays of the Arsenal players involved:, reports Football London.
Starting XI
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Extremely lucky after he was exposed by a long ball and Jeremy Doku seemed to get the upper hand, hauled back, the case for a red card was dismissed. Then the catastrophic moment, unable to gather the cross, which subsequently dropped to the head of O'Reilly. 3
Ben White – Was handed an extremely difficult assignment against Jeremy Doku, arguably the finest dribbler in the Premier League, after Jurrien Timber was unable to feature in the squad. Ultimately, the Gunners undoubtedly missed the Dutchman. 6 William Saliba – When Haaland broke through with a clear sight of goal, the Frenchman remained calm, timing his intervention perfectly to disrupt the attack. Powerless to prevent the goal. 7
Gabriel – Following an initial mistake in giving the ball away in his own half, the Brazilian bounced back with a crucial tackle on Semenyo. A match that largely passed the Brazilian by due to some defensive lapses. 7
Piero Hincapie – Picked up an early yellow card following a mistimed challenge on Matheus Nunes. Appeared uncertain at times and afforded Nunes excessive room for City's second goal. 5
Arsenal's defence couldn't contain Nico O'Reilly
View 4 Images
Arsenal's defence couldn't contain Nico O'Reilly
Martin Zubimendi – City's strategy involved pushing Haaland and Cherki into the Spaniard's vicinity when Kepa possessed the ball, blocking the pathway into midfield. The Spaniard located the pass through to Havertz for the finest early opportunity. 6
Declan Rice – City's pressure on Zubimendi meant Rice also struggled to receive the ball in his preferred positions. Provided an excellent cross for the Calafiori headed opportunity. 6
Kai Havertz – Enjoyed an excellent opportunity early on, played through behind the defence, attempted to chip Trafford, but the England goalkeeper stood tall and made the block. Otherwise appeared isolated from proceedings. 5
Bukayo Saka – Lost his marker for City's second goal, allowing O'Reilly a free header. Drifted into central areas but unfortunately couldn't influence the match. 5 Viktor Gyokeres – Was continually seeking the flick-ons and passes in behind, and was struggling with the pace of the City backline. After an encouraging start, the Swede became increasingly cut off as the match progressed. 6
A dejected Bukayo Saka
View 4 Images
A dejected Bukayo Saka(Image: Getty Images)
Leandro Trossard – Failed to make his mark on proceedings and appeared a lonely figure at times on the left flank for the Gunners. 5
Substitutes:
Noni Madueke – Entered the fray to inject some pace down the right and appeared more threatening but ultimately delivered little end product. 5.
Riccardo Calafiori – Enjoyed an excellent headed opportunity from a Rice cross but disappointingly directed it straight at Trafford. Produced another strike of his own on the volley, whistling narrowly past the upright. 6.
Gabriel Jesus – Entered the action, surrendered possession on a couple of occasions before the final whistle. 3
Gabriel Martinelli – Failed to contribute significantly following his introduction. 4
Article continues below
Cristhian Mosquera – The Spaniard was forced to come on for Ben White who was carrying a caution. n/a