“We expect it” – Nathan Aké issues defiant Man City warning after 0-2 Arsenal Wembley win | OneFootball

Manchester City’s mentality to win trophies has been directly credited by Nathan Ake off the back of their latest silverware triumph, this time over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.

City shattered Arsenal’s quadruple ambitions at Wembley on Sunday afternoon by delivering a clinical masterclass to reclaim the Carabao Cup after five years without success in the competition.

The victory was defined by a breathtaking second-half blitz from academy graduate Nico O’Reilly, who struck twice in just four minutes to overwhelm the Premier League leaders – who hold a nine-point advantage over City in the top-flight at present.

The triumph also marked a landmark personal milestone for Pep Guardiola, who became the first manager in English football history to hoist the League Cup five times, while Mikel Arteta’s wait for a major trophy in North London continues.

The contest swung on a disastrous error by Arsenal’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as he fumbled a Rayan Cherki cross into Nico O’Reilly’s path for a stooping header, before the Englishman effectively ended the contest by thundering home a Matheus Nunes delivery at the far post.

Speaking directly after the 0-2 win at Wembley on Sunday, Nathan Ake pointed towards the expectation from within the Manchester City camp to bring trophies to the Etihad Stadium.

“It’s very special. Obviously, last season we didn’t win anything so we wanted to win something this season. This was a perfect way to do it against title contenders,” Ake admitted.

“It was a good win. We are expected to win things and we expect it from ourselves to win things. We came again to the final of the Carabao Cup, if you’re here you want to win it.”

“One of the older ones” – Aké reflects on leading City’s youth at Wembley

Looking back over his own stellar performance, having been drafted into the side following Ruben Dias’ hamstring injury, Nathan Ake said, “I’m very happy. Suddenly, you’re one of the older ones – it’s a bit weird!

“We have a lot of young and talented players, but as you saw, a lot of mentality as well. The manager already touched on it every day in training and in meetings, that we’re expected to win. We’ve had our ups and downs this season.

“Today we showed, even young players, [Nico] O’Reilly scoring two, that everyone has the mentality to do good things.”

But what sort of impact could this trophy success have on the rest of Manchester City’s season?

“It’s a massive boost,” Ake insisted. “Every title is one you take. This gives a little boost. We go again after the international break and you never know what can happen. You never know. We have the FA Cup as well. We’re going to give everything and then we’ll see.”

Could 2026 be Nathan Aké’s final season in Blue?

Following the March international break, Nathan Aké and his teammates face a defining period as Manchester City navigate a high-stakes April schedule. With an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool and a potential title-decider against Arsenal on the horizon, the Dutchman’s experience could be vital in the dressing room alongside the likes of Bernardo Silva.

The long-term outlook for the 31-year-old remains a significant talking point heading into the summer 2026 transfer window. While Aké is a beloved figure at the Etihad Stadium, the club’s recent recruitment of younger defenders suggests a natural evolution is underway.

While Manchester City no doubt value Nathan Aké’s leadership, they may be open to a move if an offer arrives, allowing the club to further lower the squad’s average age whilst also granting the Netherlands international access to more regular top-level game time.