Nico O’Reilly Stars as Manchester City beat Arsenal to claim ninth Carabao Cup

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LONDON — Manchester City secured their ninth Carabao Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a second-half brace from 21-year-old fullback Nico O’Reilly.

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The young defender emerged as the unlikely hero for Pep Guardiola’s side, breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute after Bernardo Silva’s cross was mishandled by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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O’Reilly doubled City’s lead just four minutes later, slotting home Matheus Nunes’ cross to seal the win.

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City controlled long periods of the match, while Arsenal’s best chances came early, with City goalkeeper James Trafford making a stunning triple save to keep the score level. Arsenal’s efforts to recover were thwarted, including a volley from Ricardo Calafiori that struck the base of the post.

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The victory ended City’s three-match winless streak and marked Guardiola’s fifth Carabao Cup triumph, making him the first manager to achieve the feat. For Manchester City, it is their first Carabao Cup win since 2021.

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The defeat denied Arsenal a chance at a historic quadruple this season, leaving their ambitions for multiple trophies unfulfilled.

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