Nico O'Reilly scored a second-half double as Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 to win the EFL Cup at Wembley Stadium. Pep Guardiola called the academy product 'maybe the signing of the season' after the victory. The result gives City their ninth EFL Cup title and Guardiola a record fifth as manager.
Manchester City claimed the EFL Cup with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026, kick-off 16:30 GMT. City, trailing Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League, were underdogs but dominated the second half after a cagey first period. Hometown hero Nico O'Reilly, an academy product playing at left-back or midfield, opened the scoring on the hour mark, nodding in from point-blank range after Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga spilled a shot from Rayan Cherki. Four minutes later, O'Reilly headed a second from Matheus Nunes' cross following build-up play from Rodri. Arsenal hit the woodwork twice late on, with Riccardo Calafiori volleying against the post and Gabriel Jesus heading onto the bar, but could not mount a comeback. Early in the game, City goalkeeper James Trafford made a double save to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. Erling Haaland headed over just before half-time from an Antoine Semenyo cross. Kepa was booked earlier for fouling Jeremy Doku. Guardiola hailed O'Reilly post-match, saying: “Maybe he was the signing of the season... He made two fantastic goals.” He added: “What can I say? When you win a trophy is important. It was special because we had a tough two weeks.” The win surpasses Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Brian Clough, making Guardiola the first manager with five EFL Cup triumphs. City next host Arsenal on April 19.
