By Ghazali Ibrahim
Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2–0 to win the EFL Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, securing the first major domestic trophy of the 2025/26 season.
A second-half brace from 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly proved decisive, as Pep Guardiola’s side capitalised on key errors to overcome the Premier League leaders.
O’Reilly opened the scoring in the 60th minute after Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled a cross, before doubling City’s advantage just four minutes later with a close-range finish.
The victory handed City their ninth League Cup title and further underlined Guardiola’s dominance in the competition, with the Spaniard now the most successful manager in its history.
Arsenal, who entered the final as favourites and were chasing a historic quadruple, struggled to impose themselves on the game despite a promising start.
The Gunners created few clear chances and saw their 14-match unbeaten run come to an end, raising fresh concerns about their performances in major finals.
The match was largely cagey in the first half, but City took control after the break, showing composure and clinical finishing to punish Arsenal’s mistakes.
The result also ends Arsenal’s long wait for a League Cup title, which dates back to 1993.
For Manchester City, the triumph provides a timely boost following recent setbacks in Europe and could serve as momentum in the ongoing Premier League title race.
