Arsenal v City: Guardiola banks on ex-Benfica star to lift League Cup 🏆 | OneFootball

Manchester City gave no chances to Arsenal and won the English League Cup this Sunday, with a brace from Nico O'Reilly in the second half. Despite a less successful season, the team of Pep Guardiola shone again in crucial moments to lift the trophy for the ninth time.

In order to 'suffocate' the Cityzens right from the start, Arsenal entered the field with great intensity and threatened Guardiola's team as early as the seventh minute, if not for the brilliant intervention of James Trafford in three consecutive moments. Bernardo Silva, former Benfica player - who is being pointed at by Farioli - , was a starter for the Manchester team.

First, it was Havertz who appeared alone in front of the goalkeeper, but Trafford denied the goal. Then came Bukayo Saka with the rebound for another great save, insisting immediately after for another attempt. The City’s backup goalkeeper denied all attempts and showed that he can also shine between the posts.

The first half was essentially dictated by opportunities for both teams. In the second half, the first few minutes allowed the defenses on each side to stand out with great competence, making it more difficult to reach the goals.

However, that changed in the 60th minute, when Nico O'Reilly put Manchester City ahead. Kepa made a drastic mistake by letting the ball slip through his hands after a cross from Cherki. Standing in front of the goal was the number 33, who only needed to tap it in for 1-0.

Four minutes later, Pep Guardiola's team celebrated again with another goal from Nico O'Reilly. Matheus Nunes crossed precisely to the center of the area, where the young 21-year-old left-back was to head it into the net.

Deservedly, the team coached by the Catalan manager managed to come out on top and celebrated at Wembley after a high-level second half.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.