Nico O’Reilly made Manchester City legend by scoring a stunning brace inside four minutes to give his side a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final. Born in Manchester and trained at City’s academy, O’Reilly capitalized on an error by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to give Pep Guardiola’s side the lead on the hour mark in a cautious encounter played at Wembley.
The England international then struck again four minutes later with another header, sealing City’s ninth League Cup title and their fifth title under Guardiola.
The first half was a war of attrition, resembling at times a top international rugby match where both teams were only looking to gain ground. James Trafford was instrumental, making a triple save to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka (twice). Arsenal dominated proceedings without creating many chances, while City’s only notable attempt saw Erling Haaland send the ball over the bar.
The tide turned after the break, with City beginning to dictate play. Jeremy Doku began to dominate Ben White and forced Kepa out of his cage, earning a free-kick and a yellow card for the hapless Spaniard. City were growing in confidence, and it was no surprise that they took the lead, although they took advantage of Kepa’s weakness, with O’Reilly taking full advantage and showing real determination by diving to score with a header into the empty net.
City had the wind in their sails and aimed for their opponent’s throat. It didn’t take long for him to strike again through his two full-backs: Matheus Nunes crossed for the unmarked O’Reilly, who popped up again to clinch the first trophy of the season and deal what City hope will be a blow to Arsenal’s confidence in the title race.
GOAL notes Man City players at Wembley Stadium…
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