Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final on March 22 2026 at Wembley Stadium. The victory gave Pep Guardiola his team its first domestic trophy of the season.
The first half stayed level. Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford pulled off several key saves to keep Arsenal at bay. Then Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a mistake early in the second half.
Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly pounced with a close-range header in the 60th minute. Four minutes later O’Reilly struck again. He rose to head home from the centre of the box after Matheus Nunes supplied the assist. Those quick goals sealed the result.
Manchester City switched to a 4-2-4 formation after the break. They pressed high and controlled possession. Arsenal struggled to respond and created few clear chances. Substitutes came on for both sides but City held firm until the final whistle. Bernardo Silva lifted the trophy as the Manchester City players celebrated in front of their fans.
Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly said “Unbelievable feeling to win a final and beat this team we know how good they are. Now we need to build on it it will give us good momentum. I’m buzzing with today.” He added “A bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. A really good feeling a great birthday weekend.”
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford said “This moment means a lot to me. Four or five years ago I was fourth choice when they beat Spurs and I always imagined that I would win it one day so it is an incredibly good feeling with all my family and friends here.”
The win ended Arsenal hopes of a quadruple this season. Manchester City now turn their focus back to the Premier League title race.
