Pep Guardiola became the most successful manager in Carabao Cup history with his fifth piece of silverware as his Manchester City team beat Arsenal 2-0, with Kepa's howler aiding their cause at Wembley.

Youngster Nico O'Reilly scored a second-half brace for the Cityzens to secure them the first major silverware of English football this season, despite missing some important names due to injuries and ineligibility issues.

The first half was evenly contested, but the best chances went to Arsenal, who couldn't capitalize as James Trafford stood his ground to deny both Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka earlier on to keep the score level.

It was a completely different story after the break as Manchester City dominated every aspect, asking all the questions, while Arsenal defended deep, repelling all of their opponents' danger until the Kepa moment arrived on the hour mark.

Ghost of the Cup final haunts Kepa in Arsenal defeat 

Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has had his unfortunate League Cup final history since moving to Chelsea, like his refusal to come off for the penalty shootout in Chelsea's loss to City in 2019 and the penalty miss against Liverpool in 2022, had another episode added.

The Spanish goalkeeper had not been asked any question until Matheus Nunes sent in a cross from the right in the 60th minute, and he spilled it, allowing Nico O'Reilly to score with a simple tap-in with his head.

Before the Arsenal players could process the shock, City doubled their lead through the same player O'Reilly, who became the third-youngest player to score a brace in a League Cup final, after Wayne Rooney for Man Utd against Wigan in 2006 (20y 125d) and Ronnie Whelan for Liverpool against Spurs in 1982 (20y 169d).

It was another header, as City worked the ball from the left to right, and on the overlap, Matheus Nunes sent in another cross, and this time the English youngster was first to make contact, sending his header across Kepa for 2-0.

There was no way back into the match for Arsenal, who later came close through former City man Gabriel Jesus as his header came off the crossbar, but City went on to claim the win.

Pep Guardiola makes League Cup history

Following another final success, Pep Guardiola becomes the most successful manager in League Cup history with his fifth silverware, while also keeping a perfect record in finals.

He started the run by beating Arsène Wenger's Arsenal in 2018 to kick off four straight final wins that saw Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur follow in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively.

Manchester City make Wembley history

Manchester City secured their 15th win at the new Wembley since it opened in 2007, effectively overtaking Chelsea (14), as the club with the most wins as a neutral in the national stadium.

Biggest Arsenal loss in 410 days

The 2-0 defeat marks the first time that Arsenal have lost a game by a 2+ goal margin since a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg in February 2025.

Kepa Arrizabalaga will have himself to blame for his error, which ended a run of 70 games without losing by more than one goal margin for Mikel Arteta's team.

Arsenal reach historic League Cup final low 

Arsenal have become the first club in history to lose four consecutive League Cup finals following their recent failure, which adds to previous ones against Man City in 2018, Birmingham City in 2011, and Chelsea in 2007.

It is also their seventh final defeat overall in the competition, making them suffer the most final losses in a competition they have not won since 1993.

Mikel Arteta defended Kepa's selection 

Mikel Arteta's decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga in the final has received widespread criticism, but the Spanish manager maintained it is a choice he'll gladly repeat if given the option.

“No, I would do it again.” Said the Spaniard when asked if he regrets starting Kepa. “He deserves to play this game, and he has been phenomenal for us. Errors are a part of football, and anyone can make them.”

It was only Mikel Arteta's first loss in Wembley in 13 visits both as player and coach, while the defeat also ended a run of six unbeaten against Manchester City.

He will have his chance for revenge at the Etihad when both sides meet in the Premier League, in a match where a win will leave his team within touching distance of the Premier League title.

Players head for the international break with the Gunners now left to ensure the availability of the likes of William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Eberechi Eze, after the break, as all have withdrawn from their country's squads due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Manchester City still has a shot at a domestic treble despite their Champions League exit, and Pep Guardiola will be optimistic that this win not only propels his side, but also has a psychological impact on their opponent.