Manchester City beat Arsenal 2–0 to win the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, with youngster Nico O’Reilly scoring twice in the second half.
The 20-year-old academy graduate proved the difference in the showpiece match, heading home twice within five minutes to secure City’s ninth League Cup triumph.
Arsenal started the brighter side, forcing City goalkeeper James Trafford into an impressive triple save early in the match to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
City grew into the contest and finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Rayan Cherki’s cross slipped through the hands of Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, allowing O’Reilly to head into an empty net.
Just four minutes later, the young defender struck again, rising highest to nod home a cross from Matheus Nunes and double City’s lead.
Arsenal came close to pulling one back late on, with Riccardo Calafiori hitting the post and Gabriel Magalhães heading against the crossbar, but City’s defence held firm to secure victory.
The win marks another milestone for City manager Pep Guardiola, who becomes the first manager to win the League Cup five times. Manchester City’s nine titles leave them second on the all-time list behind Liverpool F.C., who have lifted the trophy ten times.
