Nico O’Reilly scored two headers in four minutes at Wembley Stadium (Image: Getty)
Arsenal were denied their first trophy since 2020 as Manchester City reclaimed the Carabao Cup thanks to Nico O’Reilly’s quickfire second-half double at Wembley Stadium. The Gunners have not won the League Cup since 1993 and their six-year wait for silverware in any competition will be extended until at least May. That’s because 21-year-old England international O’Reilly killed the north Londoners’ dreams with two headers in four minutes to send Pep Guardiola jumping for joy.
Arsenal failed to muster a response to that brace by the 64th minute despite hitting the woodwork twice and, as a result, City won a ninth League Cup and their fifth under Guardiola. The Catalan coach also got one over his former No.2 Arteta as the two title rivals clashed under the iconic arch. Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal and City players from Wembley…
Arsenal player ratings – John Cross
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4
Why, oh why? Start with your best players. Arsenal’s No.2 keeper gifted City victory.
Solid enough down the right. Lacks Timber’s tenacity but links up so well with Saka.
Arsenal undone by two moments in the penalty box. Disappointing end result.
Did not provide a threat in the opposition box and Arsenal beaten by two headers.
Booked. His early yellow card made him look nervous and inhibited. Hooked early.
As good as anyone for Arsenal. Hard-working and determined in midfield. Ended in frustration.
Did not make enough happen. The season looked to be catching up on him.
No Odegaard or Eze, so he stepped in. Nice flashes but he got hooked early.
Switched off on O’Reilly’s second goal and created very little going forward. Below his standards.
Quiet and subdued, he did not bring much to Arsenal’s attack. Very disappointing.
There was just no hold-up play or threat. Another hugely underwhelming game. Poor.
Substitutes
Riccardo Calafiori (for Hincapie 65) 6
Noni Madueke (for Havertz 66) 6
Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard 82) N/A
Gabriel Jesus (for White 82) N/A
Arsenal failed to ask much of the Man City defence (Image: Getty)
Man City player ratings – Jeremy Cross
James Trafford – 7
Given a rare big game to be part of, and rose to the challenge. A fine double save early on was crucial.
He must be one of Pep Guaridola’s favourites. Keeps getting picked but offers little despite his assist.
Used his lightning speed to get his defence out of trouble at times. Growing into a fine defender.
Drafted in to replace the injured Ruben Dias and made some crucial blocks and interceptions. Rock solid.
Reverted from midfield to left back, and had the game of his life. Two goals in a matter of minutes to win the trophy for Manchester City. Fairytale stuff.
Took complete control of the midfield battle in the second half. A cool and calming presence throughout.
Dovetailed well with Rodri. A bundle of energy to help City exert some dominance on Arsenal.
Looked dangerous when he took Arsenal on. One cross just evaded Erling Haaland. Had the beating of Piero Hincapie. 8
Took a painful one from Bukayo Saka early on. But bounced back to create the first goal for Nico O’Reilly, with help from Kepa.
Huffed and puffed, in his typical Jack-in-the-box way, but struggled to provide a finished product. 6
Had to get the better of his battle with Gabriel and William Saliba, but didn’t even come close. Made little or no impact.
Substitutes
Foden (for Cherki 90) – No time to make an impact. N/A
Nico O’Reilly had a game to remember with his brace (Image: Getty)
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