O’Reilly Double Crushes Gunners’ Trophy Dream at Wembley

Arsenal fall to Man City in final loss as Nico O’Reilly brace ends Gunners’ quadruple dream at Wembley.

Arsenal suffered a crushing loss in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice to give Man City a 2-0 win.

Pep Guardiola’s side struck twice in four devastating second-half minutes to secure a record-extending eighth League Cup, while Mikel Arteta watched his team’s quadruple hopes collapse at Wembley Stadium.

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Arsenal started aggressively and created early pressure.

Kai Havertz forced a save before Bukayo Saka saw two quick efforts denied by James Trafford in a frantic sequence.

Viktor Gyökeres stretched City’s defence, but Guardiola’s side gradually regained control.

At the other end, Erling Haaland headed over just before the break, leaving the final finely poised at 0-0.

O’Reilly turns the final in four minutes

The contest flipped instantly after half-time.

On 60 minutes, Rayan Cherki delivered a dangerous cross that slipped through the hands of Kepa Arrizabalaga, allowing O’Reilly to nod into an empty net.

Four minutes later, the 21-year-old struck again.

Matheus Nunes picked him out with a precise delivery, and O’Reilly rose unmarked to power home his second header — a decisive blow Arsenal could not recover from.

Arteta reacted by introducing Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus to spark a comeback.

The response nearly arrived.

Riccardo Calafiori smashed a long-range effort against the post, while Jesus later headed against the crossbar from Madueke’s cross.

A late penalty appeal involving Gyökeres was checked but dismissed, and City comfortably managed the closing stages with Rodri and Bernardo Silva controlling midfield.

What it means for Arsenal

Arsenal’s loss to Manchester City in the final ends any hopes of a historic quadruple.

City lift their eighth League Cup, while Guardiola draws level with Brian Clough on five titles as a manager in the competition.

For Arsenal, attention now shifts back to the Premier League, where they still hold a strong lead, and the Champions League, where Arteta’s side remain firmly in contention.

However, this defeat highlights a familiar issue — clinical edge in decisive moments.

At Wembley, City had it. Arsenal did not.

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