Nico O’Reilly Double Fires Manchester City to Carabao Cup Glory Over Arsenal

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2026

thecloudngr

Nico O’Reilly Double Fires Manchester City to Carabao Cup Glory Over Arsenal—-Nico O’Reilly’s stunning second-half brace proved decisive at Wembley Stadium as Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal to lift the League Cup for a ninth time.

The 21-year-old academy graduate emerged as the unlikely hero, surging forward from left-back to score twice in the space of five minutes and cap a memorable day under the Wembley arch.

In a historic final between the Premier League’s top two sides, City matched Arsenal stride for stride, dominating key spells both in and out of possession. The triumph also marked another milestone for Pep Guardiola, who claimed his 19th major trophy with the club and became the first manager to win the League Cup five times.

City’s latest success moves them to nine League Cup titles—second only to Liverpool’s tally of 10—and keeps alive hopes of further silverware this season with the Premier League and FA Cup still within reach.

Arsenal started brightly, with James Trafford producing a sensational triple save early on to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in quick succession.

City gradually took control, with Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo posing constant threats out wide, while Erling Haaland came close before the break.

The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark when Rayan Cherki’s delivery slipped through Kepa Arrizabalaga’s grasp, allowing O’Reilly to head home from close range.

Moments later, he struck again—meeting a floated cross from Matheus Nunes with another clinical header to double City’s advantage.

Arsenal pushed for a response, with Riccardo Calafiori hitting the post and Gabriel Magalhães striking the crossbar late on, but City’s resolute defence held firm.

At the final whistle, jubilant scenes erupted among the City faithful, as Guardiola’s side celebrated yet another major honour in a season that could still deliver even more silverware.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Up Next

CAF Overturns AFCON 2025 Final, Crowns Morocco Champions Ahead of Senegal

Don't Miss

Eid Meeting: Fubara Pledges Protection For All Rivers Residents

Click to comment

Sports

BREAKING: Ex-Chelsea Captain César Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football

Published

4 days ago

May 22, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: Ex-Chelsea Captain César Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football—-Spanish defender brings curtain down on trophy-laden career after spells with Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla.

Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.

He shared this news via his social media handles.

Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.

As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.

Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.

Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.

In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.

Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Sports

BREAKING: Shock Omissions as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection

Published

4 days ago

May 22, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: Shock Omissions as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection—-Ex-Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel makes bold selection calls ahead of tournament in North America.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.

According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.

The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.

Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.

England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.

thecloudngr