Arsenal’s six-year wait to win a trophy will be extended by at least a few months, following their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. The Gunners were favorites to complete an unprecedented quadruple, but failed in their first attempt at a title this season, with Mikel Arteta losing to his mentor Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal almost took the lead in the seventh minute, but came up against City goalkeeper James Trafford three times in the space of seconds, who saved two point-blank shots from Bukayo Saka and one from Kai Havertz.
The Gunners dominated for most of the first half but fell behind after the break after failing to contain a prolonged period of pressure from City. Rayan Cherki crept up the touchline and lobbed a cross over Kepa Arrizabalaga, who let the ball slip away, allowing Nico O’Reilly to burst past Martin Zubimendi and score the opening goal.
A few minutes later, O’Reilly found the Arsenal net again. This time, Matheus Nunes got in on the wing and crossed, and the City left-back got in between William Saliba and Saka to score with a header.
Arsenal tried to come back to score even though the tide had turned against them: Riccardo Calafiori forced Trafford into a save on a free kick from Declan Rice, then saw his half-volley go close to the post, but City knew perfectly well how to stifle any attempt at a comeback.
A long pass from Noni Madueke was headed back by Gabriel Jesus onto the crossbar late in the match, but it was all Arsenal could do to get closer to the goal, and City went on to win the trophy.
GOAL notes Arsenal players at Wembley Stadium…
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