Wembley, UK – Manchester City has clinched the 2025-26 EFL Cup following a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, propelled by a rapid second-half brace from 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly.
Okay News reports that the victory marks an unprecedented milestone for City manager Pep Guardiola, who becomes the first coach in history to win the League Cup five times. Following a cagey first half that featured just seven total shots and brilliant saves from City’s 23-year-old backup goalkeeper James Trafford, the defending Premier League champions took complete control after the break.
The deadlock was broken in the 60th minute when Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga mishandled a cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing O’Reilly to head the ball into an open net.
Just four minutes later, O’Reilly struck again with another header off a Matheus Nunes cross. At 21 years and one day old, the full-back became the youngest player to score in a League Cup final since 2012, and the third youngest to ever score twice in the final.
The loss deals a psychological blow to Arsenal and marks manager Mikel Arteta’s first-ever defeat at Wembley as either a player or a coach. However, the Gunners still maintain a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race as they head into the crucial final months of the season.
