League Cup
4:30 p.mMarch 22, 2026
end
Wembley Stadium
Referee: Peter Bankes, England
arsenal
Manchester City
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0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
250 (78%)
Accurate passes
469 (88%)
Lineup data will be available 1 hour before kick-off
No ranking data available for this league
Manchester City lifted the League Cup at Wembley, defeating Arsenal 2-0 with goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
Manchester City lifted the League Cup trophy at Wembley, defeating Arsenal 2-0. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored the decisive goals, extending City’s recent dominance of the competition.
The final pitted two Premier League giants against each other, with Arsenal keen to end their significant wait for the League Cup. Manchester City, however, came in as strong favourites, fresh from a run of dominant results. This highly anticipated match promised a tense tactical battle.
The game started at a high tempo as both teams looked for early control. Arsenal created an early chance in the 12th minute, but Gabriel Martinelli fired his shot wide. The city soon began to dictate the pace.
Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated much of City’s attacking play from midfield. His accurate passing kept the Arsenal defense constantly challenged. City’s pressure steadily increased throughout the first half.
Manchester City broke the deadlock in the 26th minute through Erling Haaland. Julian Alvarez sent a strong, low cross into the box. Haaland flicked the ball past Aaron Ramsdale, putting City ahead.
Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm after the goal. They defended resolutely but found it difficult to transition into dangerous attacks. City remained in control until the whistle.
Arsenal went into the break down by just one goal. Manager Mikel Arteta needed to inspire his team, who created few clear-cut chances. Tactical adjustments were clearly needed to change the direction of the game.
In the second half, Arsenal came out with renewed determination, pressing higher up the pitch. They pressed for an equaliser, creating a couple of promising chances in the opening minutes. The disciplined defense of the city held firm.
City, however, soaked up the pressure and looked dangerous on the counter. Pep Guardiola introduced Rico Lewis, a tactical substitution to strengthen the midfield. This move helped City regain their earlier control of the game.
Phil Foden sealed victory for Manchester City in the 70th minute. Bernardo Silva’s perfectly weighted ball split the Arsenal defence. Foden then slotted the ball into the net, doubling City’s lead.
Arsenal fought hard in the remaining minutes but couldn’t find a way past City’s strong backline. His efforts were commendable but ultimately unsuccessful against the defenders.
Manchester City finished with 62% possession and 16 shots, 8 on target, compared to Arsenal’s 7 shots, just 2 on target. City’s expected goals (xG) stood at 2.3, much higher than Arsenal’s 0.9. These numbers highlighted City’s overall dominance.
Manchester City celebrated another League Cup triumph, cementing their status as a top-flight side. For Arsenal, the defeat marked another missed opportunity at Wembley, leaving them to refocus on their league goals.
