Ake: I’m very happy with Carabao Cup success | OneFootball

Nathan Ake said our 2026 Carabao Cup triumph was ‘very special’ as City saw off Arsenal at Wembley.

Men's Team

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Nico O’Reilly’s double ensured a 2-0 victory over the Gunners and helped Ake to his second success in the competition with the Blues.

He revealed his delight at the win and how picking up trophies is what’s expected if you play for Pep Guardiola’s men.

“It’s very special,” said Ake.

“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. It was a good win.

SHOP OUR CARABAO CUP 2026 WINNERS RANGE

“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. I’m very happy.”

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Ake, now 31, joined City in 2020 and has collected 11 major honours while in Manchester.

Now six years on, the central defender is one of the elder statesmen of the dressing room and is surrounded by some exciting starlet talent.

Ake discussed that nurturing role in the squad but stressed that a strong mentality is in the City DNA regardless of age.

“Suddenly, you’re one of the older ones - it’s a bit weird!” he continued.

“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, O’Reilly scoring two, that everyone has the mentality to do good things.”

Match Report

O’Reilly brace beats Arsenal to earn City’s ninth League Cup success

The result gives us a boost as we look to chase down Mikel Arteta’s men in the Premier League title race.

City are nine points behind Arsenal but with a game in hand.

However, Guardiola’s players will come back after this break in action with a positive mindset after seeing off our big rivals.

Ake says the Blues will give it everything they’ve got as the season plays out.

“It’s a massive boost,” he said of the Carabao Cup victory.

“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.”