Meanwhile, the Gunners played their ninth final in this competition, having won only twice and lost the other seven.

Here are the top reactions from fans on social media, who were quick to weigh in on another Arsenal defeat in the EFL Cup.

Kepa steals the spotlight

In the 60th minute of the match, Kepa made a huge mistake, fumbling what should have been a routine catch and allowing Nico O’Reilly to head the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal have more chances to win a title

Despite today’s result at Wembley, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal remain in a prime position to secure silverware across three major fronts.

The Gunners currently sit at the top of the Premier League table and have successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup, keeping their historic hunt for multiple titles firmly alive.

What’s next for the Gunners?

The Gunners return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on April 11 to defend their 9-point lead. Previously, they will play against Southampton on April 4 for the FA Cup quarterfinals and on the Champions League first leg away at Sporting CP on April 7.

Man City were on the attack and Bernardo Silva found Ryan Cherki, who sent a cross straight to Kepa’s hands. Somehow, the ball slipped between the goalkeeper’s gloves, allowing youngster Nico O’Reilly to score an easy header to open the scoreboard.

Kepa is not the usual starter, but he played throughout this tournament to give starting GK David Raya some rest. However, this is the 2026 EFL Cup final, and now manager Mikel Arteta might be regretting the decision to put Kepa in.

O’Reilly scored a second goal shortly after

Minutes after, City once again attacked from the right side to send a cross, which was once again headed in by O’Reilly. This time, there was no mistake from Kepa, but O’Reilly was all alone to put his shot right past him.

All of a sudden, this turned into an uphill battle for Arsenal, who haven’t found an answer to decipher how to create harm against City’s defense. The fact is, the Citizens have been the better team all around.

O’Reilly is an unlikely hero for the City squad

O’Reilly scoring a brace in five minutes to give City quite the lead in the EFL Cup final was not on many bingo cards. Firstly, because O’Reilly is the left back of the team, it’s not expected for him to be so close to goal, especially twice in five minutes.

Second of all, O’Reilly had six goals in all competitions before this game, according to TransferMarkt. Having said all of this, O’Reilly is 6’3″, making him a tall player, and an aerial threat, as proven by his brace in the final.

Earlier in the season, Pep Guardiola decided the Carabao Cup would be James Trafford’s opportunity to get playing time, and the coach is now keeping him in the lineup for the final against Arsenal, which you can follow live with us.

The same reason Donnarumma isn’t starting today applies to Raya, as Mikel Arteta is keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga between the posts as the Spaniard started in all EFL Cup games for Arsenal this season.

“He fully deserves it. He’s been phenomenal when he’s played. He’s played the whole competition and we fully trust him,” Arteta said of Kepa ahead of the EFL Cup final.

James Trafford’s contribution to Man City’s EFL Cup run

While Donnarumma has been the starter for Manchester City in Premier League and Champions League matches this season, Trafford has been the Citizens‘ keeper in this campaign’s EFL Cup.

Trafford kept a clean sheet in the third round 2-0 win over Huddersfield before starting in the 3-1 victory over Swansea in the fourth round, eventually helping his side beat Brentford 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

The semifinals saw Trafford record another shutout for a 2-0 first leg win over Newcastle, and even though he conceded one goal in the return leg, Manchester City got the job done with a 3-1 victory for a 5-1 aggregate difference. Now, Trafford is being rewarded with a start at Wembley.

Kepa’s influence in Arsenal’s road to Wembley

Kepa has also been instrumental in Arsenal’s road to Wembley this season. The former Chelsea goalkeeper started in the third and fourth round 2-0 wins over Port Vale and Brighton, respectively, but his most notable contribution came in the quarterfinals.

When it looked like Maxence Lacroix’s own goal after 80′ would see Arsenal through, a last-gasp equalizer by Marc Guehi forced extra time against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium. The game went to penalties, and a dramatic shootout saw Kepa step up with a clutch save against Lacroix for an 8-7 shootout win and a place in the semifinals.

Kepa then started in the series against his former team, which saw Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 in the first leg before a 1-0 win at home punched their ticket to Wembley.

Both Kepa and Trafford earned the chance to start in the big game today, with Donnarumma and Raya supporting on the bench, while being ready to come on if needed as there’s a big prize at stake at the 2026 EFL Cup final.

According to Sam Lee of The Athletic, Ruben Dias is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The 28-year old is a key component on Pep Guardiola’s tactics. However, now the team will have to shift into alternatives.

Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Aké will be the two center backs for the game. Aké is 5’11” while Dias is 6’1” and City face Arsenal, one of the deadliest set-piece teams in soccer. Hence, this could create some sort of chaos. Follow Arsenal vs Manchester City live with us and catch all the action from the game!

Aké is the resourceful solution for all things defense

The 31-year old leftie is seen as the plug-in player on the City defense. He has played 24 games this season, starting only 11 of them. He is normally seen as the one who can cover a fullback, center back, or even defensive midfield issues when the starters are not available.

While those players are always welcomed on a roster, usually the manager won’t use them starting games, because players like Aké are good in plenty of stuff but aren’t specialists in one particular area. They’re utility players.

Defending set pieces will be Man City’s biggest task

As of early March 2026, Arsenal scored over 30 goals on set-pieces in all competitions. Out of those 30, at least 18 have come from corner kicks, according to FlashScore and Chris Wright of ESPN. That’s concerning even if the likes of Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard aren’t playing today.

Without Dias, this task is especially harder, as Dias is one of the best aerial defenders in City’s squad. Per GiveMeSport‘s Vijievan Jeevathayalan, Manchester City have scored just nine Premier League goals from set-pieces, though they rank as one of the best set-piece defenses in the UK.

Can they keep their strong defense without Dias? A win or loss could impact Manchester City and Arsenal as they’re also involved in a dramatic Premier League title race.

Despite playing in the midweek match against Bayer Leverkusen, Eze suffered a lower leg injury that rules him out of the EFL Cup final. Meanwhile, Timber sustained an ankle/groin injury against Everton and will also be sidelined in this crucial game.

The final absentee for the clash against Manchester City (who aren’t starting Gianluigi Donnarumma in net) is Martin Odegaard, who has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks.

“We tried everything [to get him fit for the game], but unfortunately he, Martin, Jurrien and Mikel are out,” Arteta said about Eze’s absence via Arsenal’s X account. Also, he spoke about Timber and Odegaard’s recovery: “They couldn’t make it, so I think they will still be a couple of weeks. Let’s see after the international break if we have anybody back.”

Arsenal chasing the first title of the season

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are on the verge of a historic season, currently leading the Premier League and having secured spots in the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Today, the Gunners look to clinch their first trophy of 2026 as they face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, aiming to kickstart a potential quadruple.

Significant offensive loss for Arsenal

The absence of Eberechi Eze for this match means the Arsenal will be without a player who has already scored nine times this season: six in the Premier League (including a crucial hat trick), one in the Champions League, one in the FA Cup, and another in this edition of the EFL Cup.

Arteta’s selected squad for the EFL Cup final

Here are the 11 players selected by the Mikel Arteta for the 2026 EFL Cup final, with a huge prize on the line: Arrizabalaga; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Havertz; Bukayo Saka , Trossard, Gyokeres.

Despite diverging paths in the Premier League and European competition, the North London side and the reigning champions met with a singular focus: securing the first marquee trophy of the English calendar.

In the end, the Gunners weren’t able to beat Guardiola and his team, leaving uncertainty regarding the future events in England and Europe. Find the highlights, and every goal as it happened.

Mikel Arteta‘s men are chasing their first League Cup since 1993 and a possible quadruple, while Pep Guardiola‘s side is aiming for a record ninth League Cup and a spark after European disappointment.

At stake is an outcome that could shift momentum, spark debates and set the tone for the rest of the season. Every goal, save and decision could ripple through upcoming fixtures, making this clash a defining chapter.

What happens if Arsenal beat Manchester City today?

If Arsenal beat Manchester City in the 2026 EFL Cup final, they will be crowned Carabao Cup champions of the 2025–26 season, securing their first League Cup title since 1992–93 and adding a major trophy to their campaign.

A win would mean Arsenal lift their ninth EFL Cup final trophy and break a long drought in this specific competition, the Gunners last reached the final in 2018, when they lost to City.

In terms of finances, Arsenal would collect the £100,000 ($133,390) prize money given to the EFL Cup winners plus significant matchday revenue from Wembley gate receipts and other income streams tied to reaching and winning a major final.

What happens if Arsenal and Manchester City tie?

In the EFL Cup final, if Arsenal and Manchester City tie after 90 minutes, the match does not end in a draw, it proceeds to extra time (two periods of 15 minutes each) and ultimately, if needed, a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

What happens if Arsenal lose to Manchester City today?

If Arsenal lose to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final, then Manchester City will be crowned Carabao Cup champions for the 2025–26 season, adding another domestic cup to their already impressive trophy haul.

City have been one of the most dominant sides in this competition historically. Financially, Arsenal would receive the £50,000 ($66,695) runner‑up prize and their share of Wembley matchday revenue, but they would miss out on bonus income.

While the Carabao Cup may not carry the prestige of the Premier League or even the FA Cup, the reward attached to lifting the trophy still matters in the broader economics of elite soccer.

The official prize money is straightforward: the winner will take home £100,000 ($133,390), while the runner-up will receive £50,000 ($66,695). Therefore, a win or loss won’t mean the same for Arsenal or Manchester City not only in a sporting, but also in a financial aspect. However, both will benefit from additional revenue through ticket sales at Wembley Stadium.

How the EFL Cup prize money compares to other competitions

The EFL Cup’s official prize money is small compared with the rewards on offer in England’s other major competitions. Clubs can also earn significant revenue from gate receipts, with a 50% share for home teams, and a minimum of £797,400 ($1,063,651) for qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.

By comparison, the FA Cup pays far more to teams as they progress and rewards its champion with money in the millions of pounds, making it a much bigger financial incentive than the League Cup.

Meanwhile, Premier League clubs earn tens of millions from broadcast deals and final league placement, and European tournaments like the UEFA Champions League dwarf both domestic cups with revenues in the tens of millions.

Revenue beyond the prize: Ticket sales and Wembley income

Although the EFL Cup’s direct prize money is limited, the financial upside for finalists extends well beyond the £100,000 winner’s check. When the final is staged at Wembley Stadium, gate receipts from a near‑sellout crowd can total around £2.5 million ($3,334,749).

After the EFL takes its administrative cut, this gate revenue is shared roughly equally between the two finalist clubs, meaning both Arsenal and Manchester City stand to earn approximately £1.1 million ($1,467,289) each just from matchday income.

This ticket‑related windfall is particularly significant for lower‑division clubs when they make deep runs, but it also benefits top Premier League sides annually in the cup final. In addition to ticket sales, teams can earn extra from hospitality packages, merchandise and concessions on matchday.

Past winners and prize trends

Historically, the EFL Cup has maintained a consistent prize money structure with limited growth over recent seasons. Winners like Newcastle United in 2025 collected their £100,000 share before media and gate receipts were factored in.

Despite its long history — dating back to 1960 — the League Cup has never matched the financial heft, and prize money hasn’t expanded dramatically even as broadcast deals and commercial revenues have soared.

This stability in payout underscores the EFL Cup’s role in the English season: a respected domestic cup with historical prestige, but not a big source of income compared to other competitions, even as it remains a valuable title to win. Especially for Arsenal, who are seeking to end a years-long drought.

[Watch Arsenal vs Manchester City online in the US on Paramount+]

The Carabao Cup final brings a high-stakes showdown between two of the Premier League’s best this season. Arsenal enter as league leaders and a team on the rise after reaching the Champions League quarterfinals.

Facing the hard Gunners will be Manchester City, who shift full focus to domestic silverware following their European exit. With both sides hungry to lift a trophy, expect a fast-paced, hard-fought clash you won’t want to miss.

When will the Arsenal vs Manchester City match be played?

Arsenal receive Manchester City in the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup final this Sunday, March 22. The action is set to kick off at 12:30 PM (ET).

Arsenal vs Manchester City: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 AM

How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester City in the USA

Catch this 2025/2026 Carabao Cup clash between Arsenal and Manchester City live in the USA on Paramount+.

Pep Guardiola’s side enters the match in stellar form after crushing EFL League One side Exeter City 10-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. In the Premier League, it sits second with 43 points and is currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak.

As for Newcastle, Eddie Howe’s team arrives after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth following a dramatic 3-3 draw in regulation of the FA Cup. In the Premier League, it occupies sixth place with 32 points and is on a four-match unbeaten run.

What happens if Manchester City win vs Newcastle?

If Manchester City defeat Newcastle today at St. James’ Park, the Citizens will secure an advantage to take into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, February 4.

What happens if Manchester City and Newcastle tie?

If the match ends in a draw, that will be the aggregate score both teams take to the Etihad Stadium, where the finalist will be decided. In the event of a second draw in the return leg, the criteria will be different for that match.

What happens if Manchester City lose vs Newcastle?

If Newcastle manage to secure a home victory against Manchester City, Howe’s side will carry an advantage over their rivals when they determine who will be the finalist at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, February 4.

This showdown features two London-based teams experiencing contrasting fortunes in the Premier League and international competitions. Arsenal currently lead the league by two points over Manchester City, one of the tournament’s most formidable teams.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace sit three points shy of an international tournament spot in the standings and trail Arsenal by 10 points. Nevertheless, they are competing in the UEFA Conference League, where they progressed to the next round just last week.

Arsenal are also excelling in the Champions League, topping the standings and securing direct qualification to the next round with an impressive 6-0-0 record. These two teams present differing narratives yet share a common goal: reaching the semifinals of the EFL Cup.

What happens if Arsenal beat Crystal Palace?

If Arsenal defeat Crystal Palace today, they will progress to the EFL Cup semifinals. It’s important to note that this stage consists of single-match games, and Arsenal have the home advantage in this encounter.

A victory would set up a classic London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, as “The Blues” await the winner of this quarterfinal clash in the semifinals, after beating Cardiff last week.

What happens if Arsenal and Crystal Palace tie?

If Arsenal and Crystal Palace tie today, the match will proceed to a penalty shootout to determine who advances to the semifinals. This change in format means there is no extra time, a rule that has been in place since the 2018-19 season.

What happens if Arsenal lose against Crystal Palace?

If Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace today, they will be eliminated from the EFL Cup and miss the opportunity to face Chelsea in the semifinals. Regardless of the margin of defeat or if it comes by penalties, Arsenal would then shift their focus to their other ongoing competitions.