Trending Now - Mikel Arteta Faces Criticism After Arsenal's Carabao Cup Defeat
WHO:
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arsenal goalkeeper
David Raya, Arsenal goalkeeper
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
Jamie Carragher, pundit
Rayan Cherki, Manchester City player
Nico O’Reilly, Manchester City player
Peter Bankes, referee
Ben White, Arsenal player
Art de Roche, Sam Lee, Conor O’Neill, James McNicholas, journalists
WHAT:
Nico O’Reilly scored both goals for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, marking his second header in four minutes that effectively sealed the victory.
Pep Guardiola achieved a record fifth win in the Carabao Cup with this victory.
Guardiola celebrated the win by running and dancing down the touchline, expressing his emotions by stating, "If I can't celebrate in the moment against a team like Arsenal... I want to celebrate."
Arsenal's performance was described as "timid" and lacking in attacking ambition until it was too late.
Arsenal lost 0-2 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Kepa Arrizabalaga made an error that led to Manchester City's first goal.
Nico O’Reilly scored both goals for Manchester City.
Arsenal has not won a trophy since 2020.
Guardiola celebrated Manchester City's victory with a fist pump and was booked for kicking an advertising hoarding.
Arteta stated, "Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment."
WHERE:
The match took place at Wembley Stadium.
WHEN:
The Carabao Cup final occurred on March 22nd, 2026.
Arsenal's next match is on April 4th, 2026, against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Manchester City's next match is on April 4th, 2026, against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.
WHY:
Guardiola's mission was not only to win the EFL Cup but also to deliver a dominant performance that could instill doubt in Arsenal's minds as they lead the Premier League title race by nine points.
Arteta chose to start Arrizabalaga over Raya because he had played in every round of the competition.
Guardiola expressed that winning the Carabao Cup is significant, stating, "A fifth Carabao Cup in 10 years is not bad."
HOW:
Guardiola's emotional celebration included pumping his fists in delight towards City's supporters and giving bearhugs to his players and backroom staff after the final whistle.
Arrizabalaga's mistake involved dropping a cross that led to the first goal.
Guardiola's tactical plans allowed O’Reilly to score from an advanced position despite nominally playing as a left-back.
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 03:59 UTC)
In an exciting Carabao Cup final, Nico O’Reilly scored both goals for Manchester City, sealing their victory and marking Pep Guardiola's record fifth win in the tournament. Guardiola celebrated joyfully, running and dancing down the touchline, and expressed his emotions by saying, "If I can't celebrate in the moment against a team like Arsenal... I want to celebrate." Meanwhile, Arsenal's performance was criticized as "timid," lacking the attacking ambition needed to challenge City effectively.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 01:31 UTC)
In the Carabao Cup final held at Wembley Stadium on March 22, Arsenal suffered a 0-2 defeat to Manchester City, with Kepa Arrizabalaga making a crucial error that led to City's first goal scored by Nico O'Reilly, who netted both goals for his team. Following the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the impact of mistakes in football, while Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola celebrated the victory, earning a booking for kicking an advertising hoarding. Arsenal has not lifted a trophy since 2020, and their next challenge comes on April 4 against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final, while Manchester City will face Liverpool on the same day.