Man City silence Arsenal to clinch Carabao Cup
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffManchester City secured their ninth Carabao Cup title with a 2-0 win over rivals Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening.
Ben White and Kai Havertz were recalled to the Gunners' line-up in place of Jurien Timber and Eberechi Eze, while Pep Guardiola brought Rayan Cherki back into the line-up following the midweek UEFA Champions League action.
Guardiola also made the big call to start James Trafford ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, a decision which was called on early in the first half as the English shot-stopper produced a superb double save to deny Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Majority of the first half proved to be quite a cagey affair with both sides needlessly giving away the ball in the midfield, which led to a lack of clear-cut chances for large periods.
City had to wait until the 45th minute for their first big chance when Antoine Semenyo raced to the byline to pick out Erling Haaland, who sent his header over the crossbar.
That all changed in the second half when City took the lead on the hour mark after Gunners' goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was unable to clear cross, which allowed Nico O'Reilly to sneak in and bundled the ball home from three yards.
It got better for the Manchester outfit four minutes later when Matheus Nunes turned provider to pick out O'Reilly, who completed his brace with a lovely into the top corner, leaving Kepa with no chance.
Gunners coach Mikel Arteta had introduced Riccardo Calafiori for the final 25 minutes and he nearly pulled a goal back soon after but his powerful volley sailed inches wide of the upright.
The Cityzens were able to see out the closing stages of the second and denied Arsenal a goal to claim their ninth League Cup, while Guardiola wrote his name in the history books by becoming the first coach to win the trophy five times.