Arsenal took on Manchester City in the 2025/2026 EFL Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
The Cityzens came out on top with a score of 0-2; Nico O’Reilly scored the two goals, both headers.
Man City were heavily dominant in terms of ball possession, also generating 2.29 expected goals to Arsenal’s 1.12.
The former’s pressing structure significantly influenced the possession statistics.
They were evenly matched in shots taken (10-10) and big chances (3-3), but Man City were more clinical.
In this tactical analysis, we will discuss Manchester City’s pressing structure, attacking ideas, and areas of struggle.
Arsenal Vs Manchester City Formations & Lineups
First, well run through how Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola fielded their squads.
Arsenal played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal.
The back four were Ben White (right-back), William Saliba (right centre-back), Gabriel Magalhães (left centre-back), and Piero Hincapié (left-back).
White and Hincapié were replaced by Gabriel Jesus (82’) and Riccardo Calafiori (65’), respectively.
Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice played as the double pivot.
Skipper Bukayo Saka (right) and Leandro Trossard (left) played as the wingers; Kai Havertz operated as the attacking midfielder, behind the striker Viktor Gyökeres. Havertz and Trossard were substituted by Noni Madueke (66’) and Gabriel Martinelli (82’), respectively.
Man City played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
James Trafford started between the sticks.
The back four were Matheus Nunes (right-back), Abdukodir Khusanov (right centre-back), Nathan Aké (left centre-back), and Nico O’Reilly (left-back).
Rodri and skipper Bernardo Silva played as the double pivot.
Antoine Semenyo (right) and Jérémy Doku (left) played as the wingers; Rayan Cherki operated as the attacking midfielder behind the striker Erling Haaland.
Cherki made way for Phil Foden (90’).
Arsenal vs Man City
Manchester City Defending Tactics
Pep Guardiola deployed a new pressing strategy for this fixture, keeping in mind the way Arsenal prefer to progress the ball.
City 4 2 4 mid to high block
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