Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 to win League Cup

Nico O'Reilly scored both goals as City dominated the final at Wembley Stadium.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:52pm

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Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Nico O'Reilly scored both goals for City, who controlled the match from start to finish. The win marks City's first League Cup triumph since 2021, when they completed an incredible four-peat in the competition.

Why it matters

This result is a significant blow to Arsenal's Premier League title hopes, as they now trail City by nine points with just eight games remaining. The Gunners struggled to create chances and were outclassed by the defending champions, raising questions about their ability to handle the pressure of a title race.

The details

Manchester City were dominant throughout, limiting Arsenal's opportunities and taking full advantage of their own. O'Reilly scored the opening goal with a header in the 65th minute, then doubled the lead just four minutes later with another headed finish. City's defense, led by Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov, kept Arsenal's attack in check, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard unable to make an impact.

  • Manchester City won the League Cup for the first time since 2021 on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Nico O'Reilly

A 21-year-old forward who scored both goals for Manchester City in the League Cup final.

Pep Guardiola

The manager of Manchester City, who led his team to victory in the League Cup final.

Mikel Arteta

The manager of Arsenal, whose team was outclassed by Manchester City in the final.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal's star winger, who was unable to make an impact in the match.

Leandro Trossard

Arsenal's other winger, who also struggled to create chances for his team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This result is a significant setback for Arsenal's Premier League title hopes, as they now face an uphill battle to catch Manchester City in the final stretch of the season. The Gunners will need to regroup and find a way to respond to this defeat if they want to maintain their challenge for the title.