In the final of the 2025/26 English League Cup, Manchester City, playing at Wembley Stadium, defeated Arsenal 2-0 after Nico O'Reilly scored two goals to win the championship.

Five minutes into the match, Arsenal created an attacking opportunity. Dzekeresh dribbled into the penalty area and passed back to Havertz, whose shot struck Manchester City defender Husanov, and the referee immediately ruled that Havertz had fouled. In the 7th minute, Martin Suwemendi played a through ball from the penalty area, and Havertz's low shot was saved by Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. Saka then had two follow-up shots that were also blocked.

In the 17th minute, Arsenal defender Incapie fouled Nunes while vying for the ball and was shown a yellow card by the referee. In the 20th minute, Manchester City attempted a counter-attack, with Semenho chipping a pass from the right wing into the penalty area, but Haaland was unable to create a shooting opportunity.

In the 33rd minute, Dzekeresh received a pass from Gabriel but was cleared by Ake. In the 38th minute, Saka took a corner kick, and Incapie headed the ball, but it went over the post. In the 45th minute, Semenho broke through the defense and passed back to Haaland, whose header went over the goal.

In the 49th minute of the second half, Rajon Scherki orchestrated an attack, and Haaland received a pass from Semenho and attempted a shot while dealing with the defense, but the ball was caught by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa. In the 52nd minute, Manchester City had a free kick opportunity, but Semenho kicked the ball out of bounds when he took it.

In the 57th minute, Semenho received a pass from Nunes and broke into the penalty area before unleashing a long-range shot, but the ball went wide. In the 60th minute, Rajan Scherki received a diagonal pass from Bernardo Silva in the penalty area and crossed the ball. Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa fumbled the clearance, and Nico Aureli headed the ball into the net, giving Manchester City a 1-0 lead.

In the 64th minute, Manchester City launched a passing combination, with Nunes chipping the ball into the box, where Nico Aureli headed it in, extending Manchester City's lead to 2-0. In the 73rd minute, Rice took a free kick, and Calafiori headed the ball towards goal, but it was caught by Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.

In the 78th minute, Arsenal continued their counter-attack. Trossard headed the ball across, and Calafiori controlled it before volleying, but the ball went wide of the post. In the 88th minute, Maduk delivered a cross from the right wing, and Jesus headed the ball towards goal, but it struck the post.

In the 90th minute, Aké passed the ball to Doku, who then entered the penalty area and fired a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the post.

Manchester City ultimately defeated Arsenal 2-0 to claim the championship title.

Image source: Internet