Nico O’Reilly’s second-half brace guided Manchester City to a commanding 2-0 victory over a below-par Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, securing an eighth consecutive triumph in the competition.

Playing in their first League Cup final in eight years, Arsenal started strongly, with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka both denied by an exceptional triple save from James Trafford.

City grew into the game after that early scare, with Antoine Semenyo beating Piero Hincapié down the flank, although his cross was just too high for Erling Haaland to connect with inside the box.

Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession as the first half went on, but clear chances were limited as Arsenal’s defence remained disciplined and organised.

City did create one opportunity before the break, however, as Haaland headed narrowly wide from close range following another dangerous move involving the impressive Semenyo.

City carried their momentum into the early stages of the second half, and their pressure almost paid off when Jeremy Doku dispossessed Kepa Arrizabalaga, only for the Arsenal goalkeeper to bring him down cynically and pick up a yellow card.

The sustained pressure continued, with City firmly in control, and they were rewarded just after the hour mark. Rayan Cherki’s cross slipped through Kepa’s grasp, allowing Nico O’Reilly to head into an empty net from close range and give Guardiola’s side a deserved lead.

Having finally turned their dominance into goals, City struck again just four minutes later. The in-form O’Reilly got ahead of Bukayo Saka at the back post and superbly headed home Matheus Nunes’ cross to double the advantage.

In search of an immediate response, Mikel Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori. The latter almost made an instant impact, firing a low effort narrowly wide of the post.

Arsenal continued to push for a way back into the contest, with Gabriel coming close as his header crashed against the crossbar. However, City remained solid in the closing stages to secure victory and lift a ninth Carabao Cup title.

The win handed Pep Guardiola his 19th trophy as Manchester City manager, while Arsenal’s search for silverware since 2020 continues, ending their hopes of a historic quadruple.