Manchester City defeated Arsenal on Sunday at Wembley with a near-perfect performance to win the League Cup. This is Pep Guardiola’s 19th trophy as City manager, and his fifth in this competition. Sky Sports takes a closer look at who shined and who failed.
arsenal
Kepa – 5
The player, who has played in Carabao Cup finals, lost both times in the 2022 final defeat and in the famous incident when Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri appeared to reject a substitution attempt, failing to save 11 Liverpool penalties. And this was yet another unfortunate addition to his disastrous Wembley situation. His costly mistake allowed Nico O’Reilly to slot home the opening goal, which sealed the end of Arsenal’s second half.
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Nico O’Reilly scores first after Kepa’s mistake
white – 6
Jeremy Doku remained relatively quiet, but the Belgian continued to ask him questions, going back to his own goal. After an unnecessary kick, he took out his frustration on Rayan Cherki and was given a card.
Gabriel – 6
Although he defended the box well at the back, his attacking threat, so important to Arsenal’s team, was negated by Manchester City’s strong defense of set pieces.
Saliba – 7
He was extremely busy and withstood most of what Manchester City threw at him in a typically intense battle with Erling Haaland. I was really disappointed in my teammates and many of them froze on the big stage.
Hincapie – 5
Everywhere you could see the centre-back playing out of position when he had to deal with Anthony Semenyo in one-on-one situations. Both of O’Reilly’s goals came from teammates, but City never exposed him enough after receiving a yellow card in the first half. Substituted in the 65th minute.
Zubimendi – 6
Against a relentless Manchester City midfield led by a tiring Bernardo Silva, they simply could not understand the game. Only 23 passes were accurate, while Rodri’s opposite number completed 83, demonstrating the level of football domination that City had.
Rice – 6
It was the first domestic cup final for one of our strongest players, and it was a hopeless day for him. When Arsenal needed drives and risks from midfield, Declan Rice had none. He’s usually a very reliable player on this kind of stage, but in the match he passed him.
Slope – 6
Remarkably, Bukayo Saka was playing in Arsenal’s first cup final. He almost opened the scoring seven minutes later, despite being denied two cherries by James Trafford. He has only scored two and three goals in his past 24 appearances. It was a bad day at the office.
Havertz – 6
The winner of this competition with Chelsea in 2022 had no idea of the rhythm required for a match like this. And who can blame him after missing most of the season due to injury? Substituted in the 65th minute.
Trossard – 6
Anonymous. Manchester City had Jeremy Doku and he got them on the pitch. Arsenal were hoping Leandro Trossard would do the job.
Gokeres – 6
Victor Gokeres’ only previous appearance at Wembley was when Coventry lost on penalties to Luton in the 2023 Championship play-off final. Since then, he has started his career, but he has struggled to make any impact on games with his presence and running ability, failing to take a single shot.
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Trafford – 8
He made a triple save early on to deny Havertz and Saka, and was relatively on the sidelines after that, which he would have hoped for. He had a save from Riccardo Calafioli in the second half, but he couldn’t give it his all. He had his biggest moment within the first seven minutes and stood tall.
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Arsenal miss three chances as James Trafford makes early saves
Nunes – 7
Providing width and constant outlet, he also collected nine balls and won six duels, assisting O’Reilly’s second. Definition of solid. It’s very noteworthy that he plays out of position.
Kusanov – 7
He repeatedly showed an incredible pace of recovery. He gave nothing to Gokeres. He has quickly become one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League.
Ake – 7
He was the only outfielder to start all of City’s games up to the final, and for good reason. His experience was needed to lead from the back and keep the team structure organized. Won all four aerial battles.
O’Reilly – 10
Nico O’Reilly final. He scored both goals from left-back. The first time is due to grit and determination, the second time is due to a special ability to arrive at the opponent’s box at the perfect time. He gambled at the back post from Nunez’s cross and guided a super header into the far corner to end the match. Both of Arsenal’s touches in the box resulted in goals. He was a huge influence on a young Englishman who was blessed with great talent.
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O’Reilly scores Manchester City’s second goal
Rodri – 7
I ran the game. He made pass after pass to the wing, was involved in the opening goal and recycled the ball with perfect efficiency. His role is often a selfless one, putting up screens in front of City’s backline, which was without a first-choice centre-back. The only player to touch the ball more than 100 times on the park. His 14 passes into the final third were also a game-high.
Silva – 7
Lead by example. He embodied everything that is good about City in possession, but was also the hardest worker off the ball. He worked like a terrier, recovering the ball a total of nine times, more than any other player. As expected of a captain’s performance.
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Watch Manchester City lift the Carabao Cup trophy at Wembley
Cherki – 8
He helped sustain the attack, breaking through the lines and putting the ball in danger. He threatened with a few touches and then delivered a cross, which Kepa fumbled to give City the lead. He provoked Arsenal and upset Arsenal. Some of his ostentation may irritate Guardiola, but it energizes the fans and they love him.
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Pep Guardiola was unimpressed by Rayan Cherki’s display and Ben White’s foul after Manchester City won 2-0
Poison – 8
From that moment on, Arsenal’s goalkeeper looked shaken from the moment he latched on to a long ball, giving Kepa a yellow card. Ten minutes later, Kepa inexplicably let the ball slip through his fingertips. Maybe Doc was mad. The Belgian also won an astonishing 12 duels, an important part of Pep’s battle plan, and completed 6 dribbles.
Seminyo – 7
He was knocked out of this cup by his former club Bournemouth before Manchester City entered this competition, but he showed his worth. He outmaneuvered Hincapie throughout the game and provided Haaland with a few inviting crosses. He carried the ball and won City territory better than anyone else.
Haaland – 6
The No. 9 continues to wait for a goal at Wembley, with no breakthrough currently in sight for seven games. There were no shots on target, but it was enough to keep Gabriel and Saliba busy. Generated City has the second highest xG value behind O’Reilly.
