Nico O’Reilly scores two headers in four minutes at Wembley Stadium (Image: Getty)
Arsenal missed out on their first trophy since 2020 as Manchester City reclaimed the Carabao Cup with Nico O’Reilly’s quick-fire second-half double at Wembley Stadium. The Gunners have not won the League Cup since 1993, so the six-year grace period between winning silver in any competition will be extended until at least May. That’s because 21-year-old England international O’Reilly shattered the North Londoners’ dreams with two headers in four minutes that made Josep Guardiola jump.
Despite firing twice at Kibe, Arsenal were unable to get a response from the de Gaulle until the 64th minute, resulting in City winning their ninth League Cup and fifth under Guardiola. The Catalan manager also finished one point behind former number two Arteta as the two title contenders clashed under the iconic arch. Express Sport rates Arsenal and City players at Wembley and plans…
Arsenal player rating – John Cross
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4
Why, oh why? Start with your best players. Arsenal’s No. 2 keeper gave City victory.
The bottom right is solid enough. Although he doesn’t have the tenacity of Timber, his cooperation with Saka is very good.
Arsenal went back two seconds into the penalty area. Disappointing final result.
Unable to pose any threat in the opposition box, Arsenal lost with just two headers.
I made a reservation. He looked nervous and subdued after receiving an early yellow card. I was hooked right away.
He’s better than anyone else for Arsenal. A hard working and decisive midfielder. It ended in frustration.
Not enough results were achieved. The season seemed to be catching up to him.
Odegaard and Eze were not there, so he intervened. It was a great flash, but he got hooked early on.
They switched on O’Reilly’s second goal, but there was little going forward. It’s below his standards.
Quiet and composed, he didn’t contribute much to Arsenal’s attack. I’m very disappointed.
There were no hold-up plays or threats at all. Another very underwhelming game. poor.
substitute
Riccardo Calafioli (for Hincapie 65) 6
Noni Maduke (for Havertz 66) 6
Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard 82) N/A
Gabriel Jesus (for White 82) N/A
Arsenal couldn’t ask much of Man City’s defense (Image: Getty)
Man City player rating – Jeremy Cross
James Trafford – 7
He was given a rare opportunity to play in a big game, and he rose to the challenge. The find double save in the early stages was important.
He must be one of Pep Guaridora’s favorites. He continues to be selected, but despite his assists, he has achieved little.
At times, he used his lightning speed to get the defense out of trouble. He is developing into a great defender.
He was drafted to replace the injured Ruben Diaz and made several important blocks and interceptions. Rock solid.
He moved from midfield back to left-back and had the best game of his life. Two goals in just a few minutes and Manchester City won the trophy. Something like a fairy tale.
In the second half, they took complete control of the midfield battle. Overall a cool and calm presence.
He also has great compatibility with Rodri. A bundle of energy that will help City gain an advantage over Arsenal.
He looked dangerous when he played against Arsenal. One cross narrowly evaded Erling Haaland. He beat up Clown Hincapie. 8
Early on, he received a painful blow from Bukayo Saka. However, with the help of Kepa they bounced back and created Nico O’Reilly’s opening goal.
In his typical surprise-box fashion, he struggled to deliver a finished product, even as he floundered. 6
He should have had an advantage in the fight against Gabriel and William Saliba, but he fell short. There was little or no impact.
substitute
Foden (for Cherki 90) – No time to make an impact. Not applicable
Nico O’Reilly had a memorable match with a brace (Image: Getty)
