League Cup final
Guardiola snatches the trophy away from rivals
March 22, 2026 – 8:05 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The first title of the English season has been awarded – and it doesn’t go to Arsenal. Coach Mikel Arteta fails because of his teacher.
Arsenal FC suffered a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the final of the English League Cup. 21-year-old Nico O”Reilly made the difference – with two headers within four minutes shortly after the break.
At London’s Wembley Stadium, O”Reilly took the lead in the 60th minute. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had previously been unable to hold on to the ball. Four minutes later, O”Reilly headed in. City coach Pep Guardiola was tempted to kick the advertising board after the first goal. For Arsenal it was their first defeat after 14 games unbeaten. National player Kai Havertz and his teammates missed out on the first major title of the season.
Arsenal had the better chances in the first half. Havertz and Bukayo Saka were denied by City goalkeeper James Trafford in the 7th minute – in front of England coach Thomas Tuchel. It was only shortly before the break that top striker Erling Haaland came into action on the other side.
For City, the ninth League Cup victory is a consolation after the round of 16 exit in the Champions League. In the Premier League, Manchester is nine points behind leaders Arsenal, but still has a game in hand. City also has a home advantage in the direct duel on April 19th. The Skyblues recently dropped points against the relegation-threatened clubs West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.
Before the game, a bus on the way to the stadium caught fire and was completely gutted. Several English media reported that the bus was probably loaded with City fans. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is still unclear.
