Man City player ratings v Arsenal: Local lad O’Reilly wins it at Wembley | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly scored both goals as Manchester City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

A triple save from James Trafford was the standout moment of the first half, but it was a calamitous error from his opposite number after the break that allowed the 21-year-old, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, to nod into an open goal.

And just four minutes later, the left-back found the back of the net again from a Matheus Nunes cross.

Victory at Wembley comes just days after Manchester City exited the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid, and keeps their hopes of a domestic treble alive. Arsenal, meanwhile, see their 2,059 day wait for a major trophy continue.

Man City player ratings v Arsenal

Manchester City took apart Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup two-nil and secure the first honours of the season thanks to left-back Nico O’Reilly’s brace.

Starting XI

James Trafford – 7/10

Looked assured in goal unlike his opposite number, made saves when required but had a comfortable ride in the second half.

Matheus Nunes – 8/10

Confident on the ball and produced some magic moments going forward, including the assist for the second goal. Didn’t give Trossard or Martinelli and inch to breathe.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 7/10

Following an early yellow card, Khusanov showed maturity to not bite at Gyokeres again and ensured the Swede was left empty-handed.

Nathan Aké – 7/10

Despite limited minutes, Aké’s experience shone through and made every necessary challenge to shut out Arteta’s toothless team.

Nico O’Reilly – 9/10

It feels harsh not to give out a ten, but O’Reilly came as close as he could to earning one. A five-minute melee from the 21-year-old won the cup for City and wrote his name in folklore.

Rodri – 7/10

The Ballon D’Or winner stepped up when called upon and dominated his battles with Zubimendi and Rice. A return to peak form could be the key for City to challenge Arsenal for the title.

Bernardo Silva – 8/10

A captain’s performance from Pep’s golden child. Silva has time and time again been Mr Reliable in big moments and led his team expertly through the Arsenal challenge.

Antoine Semenyo – 8/10

His threat running at Hincapié sent shivers down the backs of Arsenal supporters. His fit at City has been seamless and is now rewarded with a winners’ medal.

Rayan Cherki – 7/10

Could have been an eight if it wasn’t for the showboating in the final 25 minutes which earned a firm shake of the head from Pep, and who am I to disagree with the great man!

Jérémy Doku – 8/10

Doku knows how to find the line between showboating and skills, orchestrating Ben White down the flank at nearly every opportunity.

Erling Haaland – 6/10

Yet another goalless final performance from City’s talisman, but I’m sure he or Guardiola won’t care as they lift the trophy into the Wembley night.

Substitutes

Phil Foden – 5/10

Nothing to add on Foden’s five-minute cameo, with Pep electing to stick faithful to the 11 that got him through the game.